RAF Typhoons perform flypast of Petronas Twin Towers

People in downtown Kuala Lumpur around the KLCC towers were treated to a rare sight today as a trio of Typhoon fighters did a slow flypast at the iconic Malaysian landmark. The three Typhoons were flown by pilots from the British Royal Air Force (RAF) 1 (Fighter) squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. 1 Squadron is the RAF’s oldest fighter squadron and has seen action in nearly every major action from WW1 till the present time and has an appropriate squadron motto of “In omnibus princeps” which means ‘First in All Things’. The squadron begun using the Typhoon in 2012.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a proven multirole fighter that is in service with eight nations around the world and is built by a consortium of Europe’s leading aerospace companies that include the UK’s BAE Systems, Finmeccanica – Aircraft Division (Italy) and Airbus Defence & Space (Germany and Spain).

The Typhoon has a maximum ceiling of 55,000ft and has a top speed of 1,521mph on its twin Eurojet 200 engines. In terms of payload, the Typhoon is equally adept at multiple roles and is still being considered for service by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Source: www.eurofighter.com

Alas, the RAF’s elite Red Arrows squadron was originally scheduled to carry out today’s flypast with the RAF Typhoons but bad weather affected their departure from Thailand to Malaysia. The Typhoons are slated to take part in Exercise Bersama Lima 16 which runs until 21 October 2016.

Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia at the media reception for the Typhoon flyby

Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, said “Clearly we are disappointed that the Red Arrows were unable to perform the flypast today. However, it was extremely impressive to see the Typhoons flown by RAF No.1 Fighter squadron in Malaysian skies. The aircraft truly demonstrates British design, innovation and technical expertise – Global Britain at its best.” For more on the Eurofighter Typhoon, swing by their official site at www.eurofighter.com