‘Flying ships’ coming from Melaka factory
January 11, 2015
CM launches new low-altitude flying craft that can land on water.
fly ship_300MELAKA: Melaka will manufacture “flying ships” or multipurpose Wing-In-Ground Effect aircraft that can cruise at low altitudes of up to 150m over flat surfaces, most often over water.
Chief Minister Idris Haron said the aircraft would be produced at a factory near here by 2014. The manufacture of the vehicle, using South Korean technology, would lure more investors to the state.
The vehicle operates somewhat like a hovercraft and an aircraft and can be used for search and rescue operations in the ocean. “Besides, it can also be used for tourism purposes,” Idris said after launching the Jebat M727 ground effect vehicle on Friday.
The vehicle, built by Aron Rinani Sdn Bhd, can fly at up to 150m and has a range of 800km.
Aron Rinani president Noor Azerai Ahmad said the first vehicle, costing US$1 million, would be ready by June at the assembly plant in Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah.
As the current factory can only produce seven vehicles a year, a new plant will be constructed in Teluk Gong, Alor Gajah, with the capabiity to produce 50 vehicles a year.
He said the company had received orders for 100 units from several companies.
– BERNAMA