Royal Thai Air Force กองทัพอากาศไทย (RTGS: Kong Thab Akat Thai) | |
---|---|
Emblem of the Royal Thai Air Force | |
Founded | 2 November 1913 |
Country | Thailand |
Type | Air Force |
Size |
45,000 Active personnel 58 Training aircraft 158 Fighters 10 Reconnaissance aircraft 22 Transport Aircraft 33 Helicopters |
Part of | Royal Thai Armed Forces |
HQ | Don Muang Air Base, Bangkok |
March |
มาร์ชกองทัพอากาศ (Royal Thai Air Force March) |
Anniversaries | 9 April 1937 |
Engagements |
World War I Franco-Thai War World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Commanders | |
Commander-in-Chief | Air Chief Marshal Prajin Jantong |
Insignia | |
Royal Thai Air Force Flag | |
Unit Colour | |
Roundel | |
Aircraft flown | |
Attack | L-39, Alpha Jet, AU-23 |
Fighter | Gripen, F-16, F-5 |
Helicopter | UH-1, Bell 412, S-92, Eurocopter EC725 |
Reconnaissance | Lear 35A, Arava, Saab 340 AEW&C |
Trainer | Airtrainer, PC-9, DA42 |
Transport | C-130, BT-67, Nomad, ATR-72, 737-400/800, A319, A310 |
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF (Thai language: กองทัพอากาศไทย, RTGS: Kong Thab Akat Thai) is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913 as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in numerous major and minor battles. During the Vietnam War era, the air force was supplied with USAF-aid equipment.
History[]
In February 1911 the Belgian pilot Charles Van Den Born displayed the first aircraft in Siam at the Sa Pathum Horse Racing Course. The Siamese authorities were impressed enough that on 28 February 1912 they dispatched three officers to learn to fly in France, the main center of aviation development of the time. After learning to fly, the three officers returned to Siam in November 1913 with eight aircraft (four Breguets and four Nieuport IVs). In March of the next year they moved from Sa Pathum airfield to Don Muang.
The Ministry of Defence put the Siamese Flying Corps under the control of the Army Engineer Inspector General Department. Prince Purachatra, Commander of the Army Engineers, and his brother Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath were instrumental in the development of the army's Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service to which it was renamed in 1919. In 1937, the service was again renamed when it became an independent service, as the Royal Siamese Air Force but the takeover of the country by the Thai ethnic group meant that name would only be used until 1939, when it became the Royal Thai Air Force.
During the French-Thai War, the Thai Air Force scored several air-to-air-victories against the Vichy Armée de l'Air. During World War II the Thai Air Force supported the Royal Thai Army in its occupation of the Burmese Shan States as allies of the Japanese in 1942 and defended Bangkok from allied air raids during the latter part of the war. Some RTAF personnel assisted the resistance against the Japanese. After World War II, the Thai Air Force sent three C-47s to support the United Nations in Korean War. The victorious Wings Unit, operating the C-47, also joined the US Forces in the Vietnam War. Along the border, the Thai Air Force launched many operations against communist forces, such as Ban Nam Ta Airfield Raid in Laos, and clashes occurred between Thai and Vietnamese troops along the Thai-Cambodian border. When the Cold War ended, the Thai Air Force participated in Operation Border Post 9631 along the Thai-Burmese border in 1999, and launched the evacuation of foreigners during the 2003 Phnom Penh riots in Cambodia.
Command and control[]
The Royal Thai Air Force is commanded by the Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force (ผู้บัญชาการทหารอากาศไทย) currently Air Chief Marshal Napadej Thupatemi, who was appointed in 2021. The Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters is located in Don Muang Airbase, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Napadej Thupatemi
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Thanasak Metanan
- Assistant Co[1]mmander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya
- Assistant Commander-in-Chief: Air Chief Marshal Alongkorn Vannarot
- Chief of Staff of the Air Force: Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul
List of Commanders[]
Organization[]
The RTAF command structure consists of five groups: headquarters, logistics support, education, special services, and combat forces.
- The headquarters group in Bangkok performs the usual general staff functions, including planning and directing operations of the combat elements.
- Combat Group.
- The support group provides engineering, communications, ordnance, transportation, quartermaster, and medical services support.
- The education group coordinates and supervises all air force training programmes.
- The special service group is responsible for the welfare of air force personnel and coordinates the activities of Thai civil aviation with those of the air force.
Bases[]
The Royal Thai Air Force maintains a number of modern bases which were constructed between 1954 and 1968, have permanent buildings and ground support equipment.
All but one were built and used by United States forces until their withdrawal from Thailand in 1976 when Thai air force assumed use of the installations at Takhli and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). In the late 1980s, these bases and Don Muang Air Base outside Bangkok, which the air force shares with civil aviation, remain the primary operational installations.
Maintenance of base facilities abandoned by the United States proved costly and exceeded Thai needs. Nonetheless, all runways were still available for training and emergency use.
By 2004 the Royal Thai Air Force had its main base at Don Muang airport, adjacent to Don Mueang International Airport. The RTAF also had large air fields and facilities at Nakon Ratchasima Ubon Ratchathani, and Takhli.
Wings[]
The Royal Thai Air Force Combat Group is divided into 11 wings plus a training school, plus a few direct-reporting units.
- Directorate of Air Operations Control, RTAF
- RTAF Security Force Command
- Flying Training School
- composed of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Flying Training Squadrons. Based at RTAFB Kamphang Saen in Nakhon Pathom Province
- Wing 1
- attack wing based at RTAFB Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
- Wing 2
- helicopter wing providing utility/transport and search and rescue. Normally based at RTAFB Lop Buri in Lop Buri Province
- Wing 4
- light attack / fighter wing based at RTAFB Takhli in Nakhon Sawan Province.
- Wing 5
- transport/observation wing based at RTAFB Prachuap Khiri Khan in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
- Wing 6
- multi-role non-combat wing providing transport, mapping, communications and surveying. Based at RTAFB Don Muang/Bangkok.
- Wing 7
- interceptor and attack wing based at RTAFB Surat Thani in Surat Thani Province.
- Wing 21
- attack wing based at RTAFB Ubon Ratchathani in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
- Wing 23
- light attack wing based at RTAFB Udon in Udon Thani Province.
- Wing 41
- light attack wing based at RTAFB Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai Province.
- Wing 46
- transport/rainmaking wing based at RTAFB Phitsanulok in Phitsanulok Province.
- Wing 56
- currently forming at RTAFB Hatyai in Songkhla Province.
Squadrons[]
The following squadrons are currently active with the Royal Thai Air Force.
Squadron | Wing | Equipment | RTAF Base | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
201 Helicopter Sqn | Wing 2 | S-92/Bell 412 | Khok Ka Thiem | Royal Guard |
203 Helicopter Sqn | Wing 2 | UH-1H | Khok Ka Thiem | SAR detachments at many locations |
102 Fighter Sqn | Wing 1 | F-16A/B ADF | Korat | |
103 Fighter Sqn | Wing 1 | F-16A/B | Korat | |
601 Transport Sqn | Wing 6 | C-130H/H-30 | Don Muang | |
602 Royal Flight Sqn | Wing 6 | A310, A319, B737 | Don Muang | Royal Guard |
603 Transport Squadron | Wing 6 | ATR72 | Don Muang | |
604 Civil Pilot Training Sqn | Wing 6 | CT-4A, T-41D | Don Muang | |
211 Fighter Sqn | Wing 21 | F-5T Tigris | Ubon | |
231 Attack Sqn | Wing 23 | Alpha Jet | Udorn | |
401 Light Attack Sqn | Wing 4 | L-39 | Takhli | |
402 Elint Sqn | Wing 4 | Learjet 35, IAI Arava | Takhli | |
403 Fighter Sqn | Wing 4 | F-16A/B | Takhli | |
411 Fighter Sqn | Wing 41 | L-39 | Chiang Mai | |
461 Transport Sqn | Wing 46 | Nomad, Basler BT-67 | Phitsanulok | Also conducts rainmaking flights |
701 Fighter Sqns | Wing 7 | JAS-39 Gripen | Surat Thani | 6 Gripens delivered February 2011 replacing F-5.[1] |
702 Sqn | Wing 7 | Saab 340 | Surat Thani | Saab 340 70201 and S-100B Argus AEW 70202 |
561/562/563 Fighter Sqns | Wing 56 | JAS-39 Gripen | Hat Yai | |
904 Aggressor Sqn | - | F-5E | Don Muang | Former unit of Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn Mahidon. |
Tango Sqn | - | - | Chiang Mai | Historical aircraft unit, not controlled by the RTAF |
1st Flying Training Sqn | Flying Training School | PAC CT/4E | Kamphang Saen | Primary flight training |
2nd Flying Training Sqn | Flying Training School | Pilatus PC-9M | Kamphang Saen | Basic flight training |
3rd Flying Training Sqn | Flying Training School | Bell 206B (withdrawn 2006) | Kamphang Saen | Helicopter training |
Royal Thai Air Force Commando Company[]
Main Article This 100 man unit, part of the Royal Thai Air Force's Special Combat Operations Squadron, was formed in the late 1970s and are based near Don Muang Airport and provide anti-hijacking capabilities. They have three assault platoons, each divided into two sections.
Rank and insignia[]
Aircraft inventory[]
Currently in service[]
Photo | Designation | Aircraft | Origin | Role | In service | Orders | Notes |
Trainers | |||||||
B.F14 | Cessna T-41D | United States | basic trainer | 6 | n/a | ||
B.F16 | PAC CT/4E | New Zealand | basic trainer | 23 | n/a | ||
B.F19 | Pilatus PC-9M | Switzerland | advanced trainer | 23 | n/a | Avionics upgraded locally | |
B.F20/B.TF20 | Diamond DA42 | Austria | advanced trainer | 6 | n/a | ||
B.F21 | RTAF-2 | Thailand | advanced trainer | 1 | n/a | Developmented by TAI. | |
B.F22 | RTAF-6 | Thailand | advanced trainer | 0 | n/a | Under development by TAI. | |
Combat Aircraft | |||||||
B.KhF1 | Aero L-39ZA/ART | Czech Republic | strike/trainer | 36 | n/a | Westernized Aero L-39, with Israeli avionics and AIM-9. | |
B.J7 | Dornier Alpha Jet A | Germany | strike | 19 | n/a | Ex-Luftwaffe. 5 spares. 1 lost. RTAF fitted AIM-9P/M. | |
B.Kh18 | Northrop F-5E/F/T | United States | fighter-bomber | 16 T 17 E/F |
n/a | F-5T and some F-5E/F to Capability Improved Program. | |
B.Kh19 | General Dynamics F-16A/B Block 15OCU/ADF/MLU | United States | multirole fighter | 14 ADF 42 A/B |
n/a | 12 F-16A and 6 F-16B undergoing MLU[3] | |
B.Kh20 | Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen | Sweden | multirole fighter | 8 C 4 D |
n/a | 6 received in 2011, 6 received in 2013.[4] | |
Surveillance/Reconnaissance/AEW | |||||||
B.TL7 | IAI 201 Arava | Israel | Electronic reconnaissance | 2 | n/a | ||
B.F20/B.TF20 | AU-23A | United States | Photography reconnaissance | 14 | n/a | ||
B.L9 | GAF N.22B Nomad | Australia | Photography reconnaissance | 3 | n/a | 2 had service-life extension by TAI. | |
B.TL12 | Learjet 35A | United States | Photography reconnaissance | 1 | n/a | ||
B.F20/B.TF20 | DA42 MPP | Austria | Reconnaissance | 2 | n/a | ||
B.K1 | Saab 340 S-100B Argus | Sweden | AEW | 2 | n/a | 1st Argus received 2011 and 2nd 2012. Erieye radar. | |
n/a | ADS Aerostar | Israel | UAV | 2(+4) | 4 | Ordered 2011. | |
n/a | GFC Tigershark II | Thailand | UAV | 0 | n/a | ||
n/a | GFC UAV G-Star | Thailand | UAV | 1 | n/a | ||
Transports | |||||||
B.L8 | Lockheed C-130H-30 | United States | tactical transport | 12 | n/a | Retrofitted by TAI. | |
B.L2k | Basler BT-67 | United States | tactical transport | 8 | n/a | Turbine C-47.firefighting/seeding. 1 lost Aug 2006. | |
B.L11/11k/11Kh | Boeing 737-8Z6 | United States | VIP transport | 1 | n/a | ||
B.L11/11k/11Kh | Boeing 737-4Z6 | United States | VIP transport | 1 | n/a | ||
B.L13 | Airbus A310-324 | EU | VIP transport | 1 | n/a | Mainly for senior military officers. | |
B.L15 | Airbus A319-115X CJ | EU | VIP transport | 1 | n/a | Mainly for senior government officers. | |
B.L16 | ATR-72-500 | France | VIP transport | 4 | n/a | 1 for Royal Family, 1 Reserve and 2 for VIPs | |
B.L9 | GAF N.22B Nomad | Australia | utility transport | 19 | n/a | ||
B.L17 | Saab 340 | Sweden | utility transport | 2 | n/a | 1 to 702Sqn 2010. 3 grounded G.222 traded for 2nd 2012.[5] | |
Helicopters | |||||||
B.H6 | Bell UH-1H Iroquois/Huey | United States | utility/CSAR | 19 | n/a | To be replaced by EC725. | |
B.H6Kh/6Kh2/6Ng | Bell 412EP/SP | Canada | VIP transport | 11 | n/a | ||
B.H10 | Sikorsky S-92 | United States | VIP transport | 3 | n/a | ||
B.H11 | Eurocopter EC725 | EU | utility/CSAR | 0(+4) | 4
[6]||16 Plans. |
Recent Purchases[]
New fighter procurement program - or the RTAF 20th fighter program, RTAF studied three new fighters to replace its Northrop F-5s. Requirements were for twelve aircraft with an expected delivery date in 2011. Fighters examined for the purchase were the American F-16C/D block 50/52, the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKIT, and the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The purchase of six JAS 39 Gripen (version C/D), with an option for six more,[7] was announced on 17 October. Twelve JAS 39 Gripen, two Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C, one Saab 340, training, technology transfer, and RBS-15 anti-ship missiles will be delivered. Six JAS 39 Gripen and one Saab 340 Erieye are to be delivered by 2012 in phase one and six JAS 39 Gripen, one Saab 340 Erieye, and the Saab 340 to be delivered between 2013 and 2017.[8][9]
Cabinet approved the first phase for 19 billion Baht on 8 Jan 2008, for six JAS 39 Gripen of which two are single-seat C models and four dual-seat D model with support, training, and spares. The offset includes one Saab 340 Erieye, one Saab 340, Datalink system, and 92 Master-degrees scholarships for Thai students to study in Sweden. Three aircraft were delivered in January 2011 and three in March 2011. Saab 340 and Saab 340 Erieye were delivered in 2010.[10][11] The Gripen agreement was signed on 11 February 2008, marking the start of the first batch.[12]
Indigenous trainer - A new 30-million-Baht trainer project was announced on 5 Nov 2007 to be developed by the RTAF. The B.ThO.2 is a licensed Aermacchi SF.260MT. This will be used for research for the RTAF-6 primary trainer for the RTAF and civilian training.[13]
Multi-engine trainer - RTAF is buying 6 Diamond DA42 Twin Stars to meet twin-engine training requirements.[14]
F-16 upgrade the RTAF requested mid-life upgrades for 18 F-16A/B OCU Block 15 on October 2010,[15] which should cost around $700 million divided into 3 phases. 6 aircraft are to be upgraded during each phase over three years, with a one year overlap between phases, starting at the end of 2011. C-130 upgrade - Rockwell Collins is upgrading six Royal Thai Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transports with Thai Aviation Industry following upgrades to a previous batch of 6.[16]
Future developments[]
- RTAF-6 – The Trainer aircraft by Thai Aviation Industry.[citation needed]
- Tigershark II – The Unmanned aerial vehicle by G-Force Composite.[citation needed]
- Under the Air-to-air missile plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
- Under the Cruise missile ground attack and anti-ship plan by Defense Technology Institute.[citation needed]
Historic Aircraft[]
Historic and notable aircraft of the Royal Thai Air Force and its precursors, the Siamese Flying Corps (1914-1919), Royal Siamese Air Service (RSAS) (1919-1937) and Royal Siamese Air Force (RSAF) (1937-1939).[17][18][19] Missing designation numbers are for aircraft still in service.
-->RTAF Designator |
Aircraft type |
Origin | Service period |
No. used |
Notes |
Siamese Flying Corps and Royal Siamese Air Service | |||||
n/a | Nieuport II & IV | France | 1913-? | 4 | first SFC/RSAS/RSAF aircraft |
n/a | Breguet III | France | 1913-? | 5 | first SFC/RSAS/RSAF aircraft |
Fighters - prefixed with B.Kh (Fighter Type) | |||||
B.Kh1 | Nieuport 17 & Nieuport 21 | France | 1918-1927 | 4+ | |
B.Kh2 | Nieuport 24bis | France | 1918-1932 | 12+ | |
B.Kh3 | SPAD VII & SPAD XIII | France | 1919-1931 | 32+ | |
B.Kh4 | Nieuport-Delage NiD 29 | France | 1923-1936 | 12+ | 2 pattern aircraft bought, built locally |
B.Kh5 | Prajadhipok | Siam | 1929-? | 1 | First fighter built in Siam & designed by RSAF. |
B.Kh6 | Bristol Bulldog | UK | 1930-1940 | 2 | For comparison testing |
B.Kh7 | Boeing 100 | US | 1931-1949 | 2 | For comparison testing |
B.Kh8 | Heinkel HD 43 | Nazi Germany | 1930-1940 | 2 | For comparison testing |
B.Kh9 | Curtiss Hawk II | US | 1934-1949 | 12 | |
B.Kh10 | Curtiss Hawk III | US | 1935-1949 | 74+ | First RTAF fighter in combat[comments 1] |
B.Kh11 | Curtiss Hawk 75N | US | 1939-1949 | 25 | |
B.Kh12 | Nakajima Ki-27b | Japan | 1942-1945 | 12 | Epic fight against USAAF[comments 2][20] |
B.Kh13 | Nakajima Ki-43 | Japan | 1943-1949 | 24 | Downed 1 USAAF B-29 |
B.Kh14 | Supermarine Spitfire FR.14/PR.19 | UK | 1951-1955 | 34 | |
B.Kh15 | Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat | US | 1951-1963 | 207 | Most numerous fighter |
B.Kh16 | Republic F-84G Thunderjet | US | 1956-1963 | 34 | first jet fighter |
B.Kh17 | North American F-86F/L Sabre | US | 1961-1972 | 74 | First RTAF swept-wing fighter. Replaced by F-5 |
B.Kh18 | Northrop F-5A/B/C | US | 1967-2000 | 25 | First RTAF supersonic fighter. Its derivatives, F-5E/F/T still in service. |
B.Kh18 | Northrop RF-5A | US | 1969-2000 | 4 | |
Attack aircraft - prefixed with B.J (Attack Type ) | |||||
B.J1 | Vought V-93S Corsair | US | 1934-1950 | 84+ | Locally built. First RTAF combat[comments 3] |
B.J2 | Mitsubishi Ki-30 | Japan | 1940-1951 | 24 | |
B.J3 | Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver | US | 1951-1955 | 6 | Ex-Royal Thai Navy |
B.J4 | Fairey Firefly FR.1 & T.2 | UK | 1951-1955 | 12 | Also used for target towing |
B.J5 | Rockwell OV-10C Bronco | US | 1971-2004 | 32 | Most to Philippine Air Force |
B.J6 | Cessna A-37 | US | 1972-1994 | 20 | |
Bombers - prefixed with B.Th (Bomber Type ) | |||||
B.Th1 | Breguet 14 | France | 1919-1937 | 40+ | First RSAS/RSAF bomber, built locally |
B.Th2 | Boripatra | Siam | 1927-1940 | 4+ | First Siamese aircraft design - by RSAF |
B.Th3 | Martin 139WSM & 166 | US | 1937-1949 | 15 | Included 6 ex-Dutch 166s |
B.Th4 | Mitsubishi Ki-21 | Japan | 1940-1949 | 9 | |
Transport aircraft - prefixed with B.L (Transport Type ) | |||||
B.L1 | Beechcraft C-45B/F | US | 1947-1971 | 7 | First transport |
B.L2 | Douglas C-47 & EC-47D | US | 1947-1997 | 55 | B.L2k Basler BT-67 still in service |
B.L3 | Douglas C-54/DC-4 | US | 1959-1966 | 2 | |
B.L4 | Fairchild C-123B/K | US | 1964-1995 | 46 | |
B.L10 | Douglas DC-8-62AF | US | 1979-1989 | 3 | |
B.L14 | Aeritalia G.222 | Italy | 1995-2012 | 6 | 3 traded for 1 Saab 340B |
Utility aircraft - prefixed with B.Th (Utility Type ) | |||||
B.Th1 | Helio Courier | US | 1963-1986 | 20 | |
Communications aircraft - prefixed with B.S (Communications Type ) | |||||
B.S1 | Fairchild 24 | US | 1938-1950 | 13 ca. | |
B.S2 | Rearwin 9000 | US | 1938-1947 | 2 | |
B.S3 | Piper L-4 Cub/Piper PA-11 | US | 1947-1962 | 44 | PA-11 often confused for Super Cub. |
B.S4 | Stinson L-5 & L-5B | US | 1947-1959 | 10 | |
B.S5 | Beechcraft Bonanza | US | 1951-1962 | 3 | Ex-Royal Thai Navy examples |
B.S6 | Grumman Widgeon | US | 1951-1956 | 5 | |
B.S7 | Cessna 170B | US | 1954-1959 | 9 | |
Reconnaissance aircraft - prefixed with B.T (Reconnaissance Type ) | |||||
B.T1 | Percival Prince | UK | 1952-1962 | 1 | |
B.T2 | Cessna O-1 Bird Dog | US | 1967-1990 | 54 | |
Mapping aircraft - prefixed with B.PhTh (Mapping Type ) | |||||
B.PhTh1 | Cessna 411 | US | 1982-1989 | 2 | |
B.PhTh2 | Beechcraft Queen Air | US | 1971-1989 | 3 | |
B.PhTh3 | Beechcraft King Air | US | 1982-1989 | 1 | |
B.PhTh4 | Aero Commander 690 | US | 1982-1988 | 1 | |
Trainers - prefixed with B.F (Trainer Type ) | |||||
B.F1 | Nieuport 80 | France | 1918-1935 | 12 ca. | Trainer Nieuport 12, aka Nieuport 23 for wing area |
B.F2 | Nieuport 83 | France | 1918-1935 | 12 ca. | Trainer Nieuport 10, aka Nieuport 18 for wing area |
B.F3 | Consolidated PT-1 | US | 1928-1939 | 4 | |
B.F4 | Avro 504N | UK | 1930-1948 | 70+ | 50+ built locally |
B.F5 | Vought V-93S Corsair | US | 1939-1949 | 10+ | Modified |
B.F6 | Tachikawa Ki-55 | Japan | 1942-1950 | 24 | |
B.F7 | Miles Magister | UK | 1947-1952 | 20 | |
B.F8 | North American T-6 Texan | US | 1948-1974 | 220 | |
B.F9 | DHC Chipmunk | Canada | 1950-1989 | 66 | |
B.F10 | de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth | UK | 1951-1961 | 34 | |
B.F11 | Lockheed T-33A/RT-33A | US | 1955-1996 | 54 | First jet trainer, also first jet aircraft |
B.F12 | Cessna T-37B/C Tweet | US | 1961-1996 | 22 | Jet trainer |
B.F13 | North American T-28D | US | 1962-1988 | 120 | |
B.F15 | Aermacchi SF.260 | Italy | 1973-1999 | 18 | Royal Thai Air Force get broadcasting technology was RTAF-2 |
B.F17 | RTAF-4 Chantra | Thailand | 1974-1989 | 13 ca. | locally built ab-initio trainer |
B.F18 | RFB Fantrainer 400 & 600 | Germany | 1988-1994 | 26 | basic trainer for F-5 lead in |
Civil Trainer - prefixed with B.Ph (Civil Trainer Type ) | |||||
B.Ph1 | Cessna 150 | US | 1971-2004 | 6 | |
Gliders - prefixed with B.R (Glider Type ) | |||||
B.R1 | Hoffman H-36 Dimona | Austria | 1983-1994 | 10 ca. | powered motor glider |
B.R2 | Grob G 109 | Germany | 1989-1994 | 2 | powered motor glider |
Helicopters - prefixed with B.H (Helicopter Type ) | |||||
B.H1 | Sikorsky H-5/S-51 | US | 1950-1954 | 4 | |
B.H2 | Hiller 360/UH-12 | US | 1950-1952 | 5 | |
B.H3 | Sikorsky S-55/H-19 | US | 1954-1965 | 11 | |
B.H4 | Sikorsky S-58/S-58T/H-34 | US | 1962-2003 | 65 | |
B.H5 | Kaman HH-43 Huskie | US | 1962-1970 | 4 | |
B.H6 | Bell 212/UH-1N | US | 1976-1999 | 2 | |
B.H7 | Bell 47/OH-13H | US | 1972-1973 | 9 | |
B.H8 | Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger | US | 1995-2006 | 6 | |
B.H9 | Eurocopter AS332L-2 Super Puma | France | 1996-2002 | 3 | |
Mapping helicopters - prefixed with B.HPhT (Mapping Helicopter Type ) | |||||
B.HPhT1 | Bell 206B | US | 1982-1987 | 1 | ex-Thai Army |
B.HPhT | Kawasaki KH-4 | Japan | 1982-1985 | 1 | ex-Thai Army. Development of Bell 47 |
Weaponry[]
Service[]
Type | Country of Origin | Role | Quantity | Note |
Air-to-Air Missiles | ||||
IRIS-T | Germany | SRAAM | 40+ | on JAS-39 C/D. |
Meteor (missile) | Germany | BVRAAM | ? | on JAS-39 C/D(future). |
AIM-9P-3/P-4/M-9 Sidewinder | United States | SRAAM | 550+ | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
AIM-120C5/C7 AMRAAM | United States | BVRAAM | 100+ | on F-16 ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D. C7 Delivered. |
Python-4 | Israel | AAM | 50+ | on F-5 T. |
Air-to-Surface Missiles/Rockets/Bombs | ||||
GBU-10F/B,-12E/B,-22 Paveway II | United States | Laser-Guided Bomb | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D |
GBU-31(V)1/B JDAM | United States | GPS/INS Guided Bomb | ? | JAS-39 C/D(future), F-16 MLU(future). |
GBU-38/B JDAM | United States | GPS/INS Guided Bomb | ? | JAS-39 C/D(future), F-16 MLU(future). |
Mk 81/Mk82/Mk84 | United States | 250/500/2000 pound general purpose bombs | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
BLU-10A/B,-23/B,-32B/C,-27/B | United States | Napalm Bomb | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
CBU-59/B,-71A/B | United States | Cluster Bomb | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
AGM-65D/G/G-2 Maverick | United States | Air-to-Ground Missile | 300+ | on F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D. |
RBS-15F Mk.2 | Sweden | (200 kg) Anti-ship missile | 12 | on JAS-39 C/D. |
CRV-7 | Canada | 2.75inch rocket | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
Mk.40 | United States | 2.75inch rocket | ? | on F-5 E/F/T, F-16 A/B/ADF/MLU, JAS-39 C/D, ALPHAJET A, L-39 ZA/ART. |
GPU-5/A | United States | 30mm gun pod | ? | on F-5 E/F/T. |
Surface to air defence systems | ||||
Oerlikon ADATS | Switzerland | laser-guided supersonic missile | 4 | Fixed emplacement/semi-mobile |
Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70 Mk.2 | Sweden | Man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD) | ? | |
QW-2 Vanguard II | China | Man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD) | ? | |
Rheinmetall Mauser Mk.30 mod.F | Germany | Twin 30mm Anti Aircraft Artillery | 8 | |
Bofors 40mm L/70 | Sweden | 40mm Anti Aircraft Artillery | ? | |
Type 74 | China | Twin 37mm Anti Aircraft Artillery | ? | |
Air Search Radar, Weather Radar | ||||
Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-117 | United States | Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 2 | RTADS I. |
Alenia Marconi Systems Martello-743D | United States | Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 4 | RTADS l/ll. |
Northrop Grumman AN/FPS-130X | United States | Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 3 | RTADS lll. |
Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-78 | United States | Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 3 | RTADS ll. |
Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-79 | United States | Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 1 | RTADS ll. |
Siemens DR-162 ADV | United States | Short Range 2D Air Search Radar | ? | |
Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-703 | United States | Mobile Long Range 3D Air Search Radar | 3 | |
Ericsson Giraffe-180/40 | Sweden | Mobile Medium Range 2D Air Search Radar | 2+/2 | |
Toshiba-ASR | Japan | Airport Surviellance Radar | ? | |
Enterprise Electronics DWSR-88C | United States | Weather Radar | ? | |
Enterprise Electronics TVDR-3501C | United States | Weather Radar | ? | |
Enterprise Electronics TVDR-2500C | United States | Mobile Weather Radar | ? | |
Ground Weaponry | ||||
Cadillac Gage V150 Commando | United States | 4x4 armored car | 12 | With 12.7mm and 7.62mm MG |
Rheinmetall Condor | Germany | 4x4 armored car | 18 | With 20mm and 7.62mm MG |
Retired[]
Weaponry | Country of Origin | Type | Service | Quantity | Note |
Ululate Sky | Thailand | Rocket | ?-? | ? |
Incidents[]
- October 18, 2010, One F-16A Block 15 crashed on Tak Province. One pilot was killed. This is the first F-16 crash in 22 years on duty.[21]
- February 14, 2011, Two F-16ADF mid air collision while formation BVR tactic ACMI at Chaiyaphum Province, two pilots survived.[22]
See also[]
- Royal Thai Air Force Museum
- Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
- Military of Thailand
- Royal Thai Army
- Royal Thai Navy
References[]
- Notes
- ↑ http://imgcdn.rtaf.mi.th/web/Commander/prajin.html
- ↑ http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?158607-Japanese-use-of-Type-45-Siamese-Mauser
- ↑ http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/inventory/52-rtaf-inventory.html
- ↑ "Delivery of Gripen fighter aircraft to Thailand". www.fmv.se. http://www.fmv.se/en/News-and-media/Nyheter-fran-FMV/Delivery-of-Gripen-fighter-aircraft-to-Thailand/. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
- ↑ http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/293148/air-force-swaps-3-planes-for-1
- ↑ Thailand Orders Eurocopter’s EC725 for SAR Missions.
- ↑ International Herald Tribune Sweden's sale of fighters to Thailand generates controversy
- ↑ Ny Teknik, (Swedish)
- ↑ Bangkok Post Chalit insists purchase ... appropriate, also the best deal.
- ↑ MCOT News Chalit Cabinet gives green light to buy Swedish jet fighters.
- ↑ Flight International Thai cabinet approves budget for Saab Gripen fighters.
- ↑ Gripen International Gripen agreement between Sweden and Thailand signed.
- ↑ RTAF News กองทัพอากาศประสบผลสำเร็จในการสร้างเครื่องบินต้นแบบ บ.ชอ.๒ (Thai)
- ↑ Diamond Aircraft Industries Royal Thai Air Force chooses 6 DA42 for it's training program
- ↑ http://www.defencetalk.com/thailand-requests-f-16-mid-life-upgrade-29131/
- ↑ Flight International Contracts
- ↑ Royal Thai Air Force Museum Historic Painting
- ↑ Small Air Force Observer magazine, author unknown, #47 July 1988 & #50 April 1989
- ↑ http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Air_Force_Summary.pdf
- ↑ Wieliczko and Szeremeta 2004, p. 81.
- ↑ F-16.net RTAF F-16 Crashes
- ↑ F-16.net Two Thai F-16s Mid-air collision and crash during air to air combat exercise]
- Comments
- Bibliography
- Wieliczko, Leszek A. and Zygmunt Szeremeta. Nakajima Ki 27 Nate (bilingual Polish/English). Lublin, Poland: Kagero, 2004. ISBN 83-89088-51-7.
External links[]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Thai Air Force. |
- RTAF Official website (English version)
- Royal Thai Air Force Whitebook on Gripen program (Thai)
- Royal Thai Air Force Press Release on Gripen program (Eng)
- Royal Thai Air Force VDO on Gripen program (Thai)
- Royal Thai Air Force Museum Many Historical Aircraft Here (English Page available)
- Reports with drawings and pictures about the Royal Thai Air Force
- Globalsecurity.org
- Early history of the Airports of Thailand Authority
|
The original article can be found at Royal Thai Air Force and the edit history here.