RMAF’s $12,000 air-intake screen upgrade saves nearly RM150 million

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has prevented at least six costly bird-strike incidents on its Su-30MKM fleet by installing a low-cost RM12,000 air-intake screen modification. Developed jointly by the Aerospace Engineering Services Centre (Puspeka), No. 12 Squadron, Malaysian companies and universities, the system adds relays that keep the screen closed until the aircraft reaches 1,000-1,500 feet, then reopens later, while also closing earlier during landing.

This change shields the Saturn AL-31FP engines from birds, stones and debris that could cause severe damage. RMAF chief Muhamad Norazlan Aris said the innovation has saved nearly RM150 million that would have been spent on engine repairs and improved the operational availability of the frontline fighters. The modification proved its value when birds were found caught on the screen after landings, indicating the original design would have allowed ingestion. The RMAF cites the upgrade as a successful home-grown solution to a long-standing hazard.