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Royal Thai Air Force
กองทัพอากาศไทย
(RTGS: Kong Thab Akat Thai)
Royal Thai Air Force Seal
Emblem of the Royal Thai Air Force
Founded 2 November 1913
Country Flag of Thailand 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
Royal Thai Air Force Flag
Unit Colour
Royal Thai Air Force Unit Colour
Roundel
Roundel of the Royal Thai Air Force
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[]

Unit colours of the Air Cadet Regiment, King's Guard, RTAF

Regimental colours guard of Thai air cadet, RTAF, in full dress (royal Guard)

File:Forums.gunboards.com

RTAF Roundel 1942-1945[2]

The RTAF command structure consists of five groups: headquarters, logistics support, education, special services, and combat forces.

  1. The headquarters group in Bangkok performs the usual general staff functions, including planning and directing operations of the combat elements.
  2. Combat Group.
  3. The support group provides engineering, communications, ordnance, transportation, quartermaster, and medical services support.
  4. The education group coordinates and supervises all air force training programmes.
  5. 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[]

Rtaf uh-1h csar

UH-1H performing CSAR demonstration, 2012, Don Muang RTAFB

Rtaf bell412 sikorskyS92

Bell 412 and Sikorsky S92helicopters royal flight fly by, 2012

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[]

Analayo korsakul mix rtaf airborne

L-39ZA/ART, Alpha Jet A, F-16A, and AU-23A at Children's Day air show 2007.

RTAF Jas 39 Gripen

Saab JAS 39 Gripen of the Royal Thai Air Force.

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
USAF T-41D
B.F14 Cessna T-41D Flag of the United States United States basic trainer 6 n/a
New Zealand CT-4A Airtrainer inflight Vabre
B.F16 PAC CT/4E Flag of New Zealand New Zealand basic trainer 23 n/a
Bulgarian Air Force Pilatus PC-9M Lofting-1
B.F19 Pilatus PC-9M Flag of Switzerland  Switzerland advanced trainer 23 n/a Avionics upgraded locally
OE-VFT-DA42-099
B.F20/B.TF20 Diamond DA42 Flag of Austria Austria advanced trainer 6 n/a
B.F21 RTAF-2 Flag of Thailand Thailand advanced trainer 1 n/a Developmented by TAI.
B.F22 RTAF-6 Flag of Thailand Thailand advanced trainer 0 n/a Under development by TAI.
Combat Aircraft
L-39 rtaf analayo
B.KhF1 Aero L-39ZA/ART Flag of the Czech Republic Czech Republic strike/trainer 36 n/a Westernized Aero L-39, with Israeli avionics and AIM-9.
Alpha jet zj646 arp
B.J7 Dornier Alpha Jet A Flag of Germany Germany strike 19 n/a Ex-Luftwaffe. 5 spares. 1 lost. RTAF fitted AIM-9P/M.
F-5E Royal Thai AF at Korat 2000
B.Kh18 Northrop F-5E/F/T Flag of the United States United States fighter-bomber 16 T
17 E/F
n/a F-5T and some F-5E/F to Capability Improved Program.
A Royal Thai Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducts tactical flight operations during Cope Tiger 13 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 12, 2013 130312-F-ZZ999-424
B.Kh19 General Dynamics F-16A/B Block 15OCU/ADF/MLU Flag of the United States United States multirole fighter 14 ADF
42 A/B
n/a 12 F-16A and 6 F-16B undergoing MLU[3]
Saab JAS39C Gripen 70109 Thai AF (7363327062)
B.Kh20 Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen Flag of Sweden Sweden multirole fighter 8 C
4 D
n/a 6 received in 2011, 6 received in 2013.[4]
Surveillance/Reconnaissance/AEW
Arava Hatzerim 050804
B.TL7 IAI 201 Arava Flag of Israel Israel Electronic reconnaissance 2 n/a
Au23-4
B.F20/B.TF20 AU-23A United States Photography reconnaissance 14 n/a
GAF Nomad VH-ATO
B.L9 GAF N.22B Nomad Flag of Australia Australia Photography reconnaissance 3 n/a 2 had service-life extension by TAI.
B.TL12 Learjet 35A Flag of the United States United States Photography reconnaissance 1 n/a
OE-VFT-DA42-099
B.F20/B.TF20 DA42 MPP Flag of Austria Austria Reconnaissance 2 n/a
S 100B at Malmen 2010-06-13 1
B.K1 Saab 340 S-100B Argus Flag of Sweden Sweden AEW 2 n/a 1st Argus received 2011 and 2nd 2012. Erieye radar.
n/a ADS Aerostar Flag of Israel Israel UAV 2(+4) 4 Ordered 2011.
n/a GFC Tigershark II Flag of Thailand Thailand UAV 0 n/a
n/a GFC UAV G-Star Flag of Thailand Thailand UAV 1 n/a
Transports
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
B.L8 Lockheed C-130H-30 Flag of the United States United States tactical transport 12 n/a Retrofitted by TAI.
Basler BT-67 (DC-3) at Missoula, Montana
B.L2k Basler BT-67 Flag of the United States United States tactical transport 8 n/a Turbine C-47.firefighting/seeding. 1 lost Aug 2006.
Jet Airways Boeing 737-800 Spijkers
B.L11/11k/11Kh Boeing 737-8Z6 Flag of the United States United States VIP transport 1 n/a
Britair.b737-400.g-docp.arp
B.L11/11k/11Kh Boeing 737-4Z6 Flag of the United States United States VIP transport 1 n/a
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Airbus A310-300 Manteufel
B.L13 Airbus A310-324 Flag of Europe EU VIP transport 1 n/a Mainly for senior military officers.
Lufthansa Airbus A320-211 D-AIQT 01
B.L15 Airbus A319-115X CJ Flag of Europe EU VIP transport 1 n/a Mainly for senior government officers.
ATR 72-500 TAROM (YR-ATI)-1
B.L16 ATR-72-500 Flag of France France VIP transport 4 n/a 1 for Royal Family, 1 Reserve and 2 for VIPs
GAF Nomad VH-ATO
B.L9 GAF N.22B Nomad Flag of Australia Australia utility transport 19 n/a
Estonian Air Saab 340A ES-ASN
B.L17 Saab 340 Flag of Sweden Sweden utility transport 2 n/a 1 to 702Sqn 2010. 3 grounded G.222 traded for 2nd 2012.[5]
Helicopters
RNZAF Iroquois 2009
B.H6 Bell UH-1H Iroquois/Huey Flag of the United States United States utility/CSAR 19 n/a To be replaced by EC725.
N301FD
B.H6Kh/6Kh2/6Ng Bell 412EP/SP Flag of Canada Canada VIP transport 11 n/a
B.H10 Sikorsky S-92 Flag of the United States United States VIP transport 3 n/a
Caracal2552
B.H11 Eurocopter EC725 Flag of Europe 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.

Royal Thai Air Force Boeing 100E at Museum

Royal Thai Air Force Boeing 100E

RTAF Tachikawa Ki-36

RTAF Tachikawa Ki-36

Ki43Thailand

model of RTAF Nakajima Ki-43

Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum

RTAF Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat

F-86Ls RThaiAF in flight 1966

F-86L Saberdogs of the RTAF in flight

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RTAF
Designator
Aircraft
type
Origin Service
period
No.
used
Notes
Siamese Flying Corps and Royal Siamese Air Service
n/a Nieuport II & IV Flag of France France 1913-? 4 first SFC/RSAS/RSAF aircraft
n/a Breguet III Flag of France France 1913-? 5 first SFC/RSAS/RSAF aircraft
Fighters - prefixed with B.Kh (Fighter Type)
B.Kh1 Nieuport 17 & Nieuport 21 Flag of France France 1918-1927 4+
B.Kh2 Nieuport 24bis Flag of France France 1918-1932 12+
B.Kh3 SPAD VII & SPAD XIII Flag of France France 1919-1931 32+
B.Kh4 Nieuport-Delage NiD 29 Flag of France France 1923-1936 12+ 2 pattern aircraft bought, built locally
B.Kh5 Prajadhipok Thailand Siam 1929-? 1 First fighter built in Siam & designed by RSAF.
B.Kh6 Bristol Bulldog Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1930-1940 2 For comparison testing
B.Kh7 Boeing 100 Flag of the United States US 1931-1949 2 For comparison testing
B.Kh8 Heinkel HD 43 Flag of German Reich (1935–1945) Nazi Germany 1930-1940 2 For comparison testing
B.Kh9 Curtiss Hawk II Flag of the United States US 1934-1949 12
B.Kh10 Curtiss Hawk III Flag of the United States US 1935-1949 74+ First RTAF fighter in combat[comments 1]
B.Kh11 Curtiss Hawk 75N Flag of the United States US 1939-1949 25
B.Kh12 Nakajima Ki-27b Flag of Japan Japan 1942-1945 12 Epic fight against USAAF[comments 2][20]
B.Kh13 Nakajima Ki-43 Flag of Japan Japan 1943-1949 24 Downed 1 USAAF B-29
B.Kh14 Supermarine Spitfire FR.14/PR.19 Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1951-1955 34
B.Kh15 Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat Flag of the United States US 1951-1963 207 Most numerous fighter
B.Kh16 Republic F-84G Thunderjet Flag of the United States US 1956-1963 34 first jet fighter
B.Kh17 North American F-86F/L Sabre Flag of the United States US 1961-1972 74 First RTAF swept-wing fighter. Replaced by F-5
B.Kh18 Northrop F-5A/B/C Flag of the United States US 1967-2000 25 First RTAF supersonic fighter. Its derivatives, F-5E/F/T still in service.
B.Kh18 Northrop RF-5A Flag of the United States US 1969-2000 4
Attack aircraft - prefixed with B.J (Attack Type )
B.J1 Vought V-93S Corsair Flag of the United States US 1934-1950 84+ Locally built. First RTAF combat[comments 3]
B.J2 Mitsubishi Ki-30 Flag of Japan Japan 1940-1951 24
B.J3 Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver Flag of the United States US 1951-1955 6 Ex-Royal Thai Navy
B.J4 Fairey Firefly FR.1 & T.2 Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1951-1955 12 Also used for target towing
B.J5 Rockwell OV-10C Bronco Flag of the United States US 1971-2004 32 Most to Philippine Air Force
B.J6 Cessna A-37 Flag of the United States US 1972-1994 20
Bombers - prefixed with B.Th (Bomber Type )
B.Th1 Breguet 14 Flag of France France 1919-1937 40+ First RSAS/RSAF bomber, built locally
B.Th2 Boripatra Thailand Siam 1927-1940 4+ First Siamese aircraft design - by RSAF
B.Th3 Martin 139WSM & 166 Flag of the United States US 1937-1949 15 Included 6 ex-Dutch 166s
B.Th4 Mitsubishi Ki-21 Flag of Japan Japan 1940-1949 9
Transport aircraft - prefixed with B.L (Transport Type )
B.L1 Beechcraft C-45B/F Flag of the United States US 1947-1971 7 First transport
B.L2 Douglas C-47 & EC-47D Flag of the United States US 1947-1997 55 B.L2k Basler BT-67 still in service
B.L3 Douglas C-54/DC-4 Flag of the United States US 1959-1966 2
B.L4 Fairchild C-123B/K Flag of the United States US 1964-1995 46
B.L10 Douglas DC-8-62AF Flag of the United States US 1979-1989 3
B.L14 Aeritalia G.222 Flag of Italy Italy 1995-2012 6 3 traded for 1 Saab 340B
Utility aircraft - prefixed with B.Th (Utility Type )
B.Th1 Helio Courier Flag of the United States US 1963-1986 20
Communications aircraft - prefixed with B.S (Communications Type )
B.S1 Fairchild 24 Flag of the United States US 1938-1950 13 ca.
B.S2 Rearwin 9000 Flag of the United States US 1938-1947 2
B.S3 Piper L-4 Cub/Piper PA-11 Flag of the United States US 1947-1962 44 PA-11 often confused for Super Cub.
B.S4 Stinson L-5 & L-5B Flag of the United States US 1947-1959 10
B.S5 Beechcraft Bonanza Flag of the United States US 1951-1962 3 Ex-Royal Thai Navy examples
B.S6 Grumman Widgeon Flag of the United States US 1951-1956 5
B.S7 Cessna 170B Flag of the United States US 1954-1959 9
Reconnaissance aircraft - prefixed with B.T (Reconnaissance Type )
B.T1 Percival Prince Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1952-1962 1
B.T2 Cessna O-1 Bird Dog Flag of the United States US 1967-1990 54
Mapping aircraft - prefixed with B.PhTh (Mapping Type )
B.PhTh1 Cessna 411 Flag of the United States US 1982-1989 2
B.PhTh2 Beechcraft Queen Air Flag of the United States US 1971-1989 3
B.PhTh3 Beechcraft King Air Flag of the United States US 1982-1989 1
B.PhTh4 Aero Commander 690 Flag of the United States US 1982-1988 1
Trainers - prefixed with B.F (Trainer Type )
B.F1 Nieuport 80 Flag of France France 1918-1935 12 ca. Trainer Nieuport 12, aka Nieuport 23 for wing area
B.F2 Nieuport 83 Flag of France France 1918-1935 12 ca. Trainer Nieuport 10, aka Nieuport 18 for wing area
B.F3 Consolidated PT-1 Flag of the United States US 1928-1939 4
B.F4 Avro 504N Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1930-1948 70+ 50+ built locally
B.F5 Vought V-93S Corsair Flag of the United States US 1939-1949 10+ Modified
B.F6 Tachikawa Ki-55 Flag of Japan Japan 1942-1950 24
B.F7 Miles Magister Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1947-1952 20
B.F8 North American T-6 Texan Flag of the United States US 1948-1974 220
B.F9 DHC Chipmunk Flag of Canada Canada 1950-1989 66
B.F10 de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth Flag of the United Kingdom UK 1951-1961 34
B.F11 Lockheed T-33A/RT-33A Flag of the United States US 1955-1996 54 First jet trainer, also first jet aircraft
B.F12 Cessna T-37B/C Tweet Flag of the United States US 1961-1996 22 Jet trainer
B.F13 North American T-28D Flag of the United States US 1962-1988 120
B.F15 Aermacchi SF.260 Flag of Italy Italy 1973-1999 18 Royal Thai Air Force get broadcasting technology was RTAF-2
B.F17 RTAF-4 Chantra Flag of Thailand Thailand 1974-1989 13 ca. locally built ab-initio trainer
B.F18 RFB Fantrainer 400 & 600 Flag of Germany Germany 1988-1994 26 basic trainer for F-5 lead in
Civil Trainer - prefixed with B.Ph (Civil Trainer Type )
B.Ph1 Cessna 150 Flag of the United States US 1971-2004 6
Gliders - prefixed with B.R (Glider Type )
B.R1 Hoffman H-36 Dimona Flag of Austria Austria 1983-1994 10 ca. powered motor glider
B.R2 Grob G 109 Flag of Germany Germany 1989-1994 2 powered motor glider
Helicopters - prefixed with B.H (Helicopter Type )
B.H1 Sikorsky H-5/S-51 Flag of the United States US 1950-1954 4
B.H2 Hiller 360/UH-12 Flag of the United States US 1950-1952 5
B.H3 Sikorsky S-55/H-19 Flag of the United States US 1954-1965 11
B.H4 Sikorsky S-58/S-58T/H-34 Flag of the United States US 1962-2003 65
B.H5 Kaman HH-43 Huskie Flag of the United States US 1962-1970 4
B.H6 Bell 212/UH-1N Flag of the United States US 1976-1999 2
B.H7 Bell 47/OH-13H Flag of the United States US 1972-1973 9
B.H8 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger Flag of the United States US 1995-2006 6
B.H9 Eurocopter AS332L-2 Super Puma Flag of France France 1996-2002 3
Mapping helicopters - prefixed with B.HPhT (Mapping Helicopter Type )
B.HPhT1 Bell 206B Flag of the United States US 1982-1987 1 ex-Thai Army
B.HPhT Kawasaki KH-4 Flag of Japan 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 Flag of Germany Germany SRAAM 40+ on JAS-39 C/D.
Meteor (missile) Flag of Germany 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 Flag of Israel 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 Flag of Sweden Sweden (200 kg) Anti-ship missile 12 on JAS-39 C/D.
CRV-7 Flag of Canada 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 Flag of Switzerland  Switzerland laser-guided supersonic missile 4 Fixed emplacement/semi-mobile
Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70 Mk.2 Flag of Sweden Sweden Man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD) ?
QW-2 Vanguard II Flag of the People's Republic of China China Man-portable air-defence system (MANPAD) ?
Rheinmetall Mauser Mk.30 mod.F Flag of Germany Germany Twin 30mm Anti Aircraft Artillery 8
Bofors 40mm L/70 Flag of Sweden Sweden 40mm Anti Aircraft Artillery ?
Type 74 Flag of the People's Republic of China 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 Flag of Sweden Sweden Mobile Medium Range 2D Air Search Radar 2+/2
Toshiba-ASR Flag of Japan 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 Flag of Germany Germany 4x4 armored car 18 With 20mm and 7.62mm MG

Retired[]

Weaponry Country of Origin Type Service Quantity Note
Ululate Sky Flag of Thailand 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[]

References[]

Notes
  1. http://imgcdn.rtaf.mi.th/web/Commander/prajin.html
  2. http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?158607-Japanese-use-of-Type-45-Siamese-Mauser
  3. http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/inventory/52-rtaf-inventory.html
  4. "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. 
  5. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/293148/air-force-swaps-3-planes-for-1
  6. Thailand Orders Eurocopter’s EC725 for SAR Missions.
  7. International Herald Tribune Sweden's sale of fighters to Thailand generates controversy
  8. Ny Teknik, (Swedish)
  9. Bangkok Post Chalit insists purchase ... appropriate, also the best deal.
  10. MCOT News Chalit Cabinet gives green light to buy Swedish jet fighters.
  11. Flight International Thai cabinet approves budget for Saab Gripen fighters.
  12. Gripen International Gripen agreement between Sweden and Thailand signed.
  13. RTAF News กองทัพอากาศประสบผลสำเร็จในการสร้างเครื่องบินต้นแบบ บ.ชอ.๒ (Thai)
  14. Diamond Aircraft Industries Royal Thai Air Force chooses 6 DA42 for it's training program
  15. http://www.defencetalk.com/thailand-requests-f-16-mid-life-upgrade-29131/
  16. Flight International Contracts
  17. Royal Thai Air Force Museum Historic Painting
  18. Small Air Force Observer magazine, author unknown, #47 July 1988 & #50 April 1989
  19. http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Air_Force_Summary.pdf
  20. Wieliczko and Szeremeta 2004, p. 81.
  21. F-16.net RTAF F-16 Crashes
  22. F-16.net Two Thai F-16s Mid-air collision and crash during air to air combat exercise]
Comments
  1. with French Potez 25s
  2. 5 Ki-27s fought 8 P-51s and 9 P-38s - all Ki-27s lost for 1 P-38 downed and 2 P-51s damaged.
  3. against French Potez 25s.
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[]

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