JERUDONG, Tuesday 3 Dec 2013 – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) has consented to officially open the Fourth Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX 2013) this morning. The opening ceremony took place at the Dome of the BRIDEX Exhibition Centre, Jerudong.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat and the Commander of RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Datin Paduka Hajah Suriyah binti Haji Umar, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) Ministry of Defence cum Chairman of the Bridex 2013 Organising Committee and the Bridex 2013 Exhibition Director, Hajah Rosmawati Hj Manaf.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness General Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of RBAF and His Royal Highness Prince `Abdul Malik.
After officiating the opening ceremony, His Majesty was escorted by the Deputy Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa bin Haji Sirat to the VIP Viewing Area, BRIDEX Dome to view the Air Demonstrations.
It was a glorious day at the BRIDEX exhibition venue, where exhibitors and guests enjoyed spectacular air demonstrations, which featured aircrafts from Brunei, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Aircrafts that participated in the air demonstration was PC-7 Alap-Alap from Royal Brunei Air Force Brunei, KT-1 Woongbi Fixed Wing from Indonesia National Air Force, United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey and F-15 from Republic of Singapore Armed Forces and ended with an UAV demonstration by France.
Following the airshows, His Majesty had also consented to tour the two exhibition halls, where over 90 international exhibitors comprising over 140 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers from over 30 countries showcasing the most recent and innovative defence equipments and security solutions.
The atmosphere at the Exhibition Hall 2 was enthusiastic as exhibitors and guests were excited to see His Majesty witnessing the Unveiling of the S-70i Black Hawk. Welcoming the arrival of His Majesty was the Commander of Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier General (U) Haji Wardi bin Haji Abd Latip. He then introduced His Majesty to the local S70i pilot and technicians before His Majesty took a closer look on the S-70i. His Majesty also consented to receive a pesambah from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and signed a plaque at the end of the unveiling.
The Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk is modified for the unique Brunei configuration. This version of the Black Hawk represents the most advanced upgrades that have been made to the aircraft over its history to include upgraded engines, transmissions and rotor blades for improved performance; state-of-the-art avionics with dual-digit flight control computers, a four-screen glass cockpit, digital map displays, integrated vehicle heath monitoring systems, active vibration control system, and terrain warning system; and a fully coupled four-axis autopilot to greatly reduce cockpit workload for the pilot.
Powered by two GE T700-701D engines producing at total of 4000 shaft horsepower, the Black Hawk is capable of lifting an external load of 9000 lbs (4082 kg). It has a top cruise speed of 162 kts (300 km/hr), and a maximum speed of 193 kts (357 km/hr). With unmatched maneuverability, the Black Hawk is recognized world-wide as the premier utility helicopter for troop transport, cargo, medical evacuation, and search and rescue missions.
From the exhibition halls, His Majesty and His Royal Highnesses consented for an official luncheon at the BRIDEX Conference Hall. After the luncheon, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince consented to sign the royal parchment and followed by a group photo taking session outside the conference building before departing to the Royal Brunei Air Force Rimba Air Base to view static displays of various aircrafts.
Aircrafts participating in at the static display at the Rimba Airbase are Indonesia National Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force, United States Marine Corps and Air Force.
Before leaving the Rimba Air Force Base, His Majesty also visited the new Air Movement Centre (AMC) at the base and signed a plaque to officiate the visit of His Majesty.
BRIDEX2013 will be open for traders and exhibitors tomorrow while the public will have the opportunity to view the exhibition on the 5th and 6th December at BRIDEX Centre as well as the static displays at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba which starts to open to the public today until 6 December and entrance is free.
