Royal Thai Air Force Kong Thab Akat Thai
Founded	2 November 1913
Country	Thailand
Size	315 aircraft
HQ	Don Muang Air Base, Bangkok
Battles/wars	French-Thai War
Commanders
Commander	Chalit Pookpasuk
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
Attack	L-39, Alpha Jet, AU-23
Fighter	F-16, F-5
Reconnaissance	Lear 35A, Arava
Trainer	Airtrainer, PC-9
Transport	C-130, BT-67, Nomad, G222, UH-1

The Royal Thai Air Force (Thai: กองทัพอากาศไทย, Kong Thab Akat Thai) is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. As of 2006, the Commander of the Air Force was Chalit Pookpasuk, who was also a Deputy of the Council for National Security that seized power during the 2006 Thailand coup. Image File history File links Rtaf. ... is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This is a list of aviation-related events from 1913: Events The Serbian air force is established as an army air service. ... Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base is the main operating and command base for the Royal Thai Air Force. ... Location within in Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governer Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ... Combatants Vichy France Thailand Commanders Jean Decoux Plaek Phibunsongkhram Strength 50,000 men, 20 tanks, ~100 aircraft 60,000 men, 134 tanks, 140 aircraft, 18 vessels Casualties 321 KIA and WIA, 178 MIA, 222 captured, 22 aircraft 54 KIA, 307 WIA, 21 captured, 8-13 aircraft The French-Thai War... Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk is a Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and a deputy in the military junta that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 military coup. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... A ground attack aircraft is an aircraft that is designed to operate very close to the ground, supporting infantry and tanks directly in battle. ... L-39C Albatros Slovak L-39 ZA at Radom Air Show 2005 The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance, jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín. ... Alpha Jet owned by Red Bull The Alpha Jet is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by Dornier of Germany and Dassault-Breguet of France. ... The Pilatus PC-6 Porter (sometimes nicknamed the Jeep of the air) is a civilian utility aitcraft built by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. ... An A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-86 Sabre, P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fly in formation during an air show at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. ... The F-5 Freedom Fighter (or Tiger II) is a low cost entry level supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1962. ... English Electric Canberra PR.9 photo reconnaissance aircraft CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft of the Canadian Air Force. ... C-GBFP - Adlair Aviation - Learjet 25 (LJ25) refueling at Cambridge Bay Airport, Nunavut, Canada. ... fgfgfgfg --213. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer series are all-metal construction, single-engine, two place side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic, piston engined, basic training aircraft manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. ... A Basler BT-67 at Williams Field, Antarctica. ... The GAF Nomad is a twin-engined high-winged STOL aircraft built by the Australian Government Aircraft Factory (GAF). ... The Alenia G.222 (Alenia originally Aeritalia) is a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft. ... This article is about the military versions of the Bell 204 and 205 models. ... For a particular Air Force, see List of air forces. ... Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk is a Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and a deputy in the military junta that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 military coup. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ...

History

In February 1911 the Belgian pilot Charles Van Den Born displayed the first aircraft in Thailand at the Sa Pathum Horse Racing Course. The Thai authorities were impressed enough by the display that on 28 February 1913 they dispatched three officers to learn to fly in France, at the time a leading aviation country. Year 1911 (MCMXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... For other uses, see Aviator (disambiguation). ... February 28 is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1913 (MCMXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

The three officers (Major Luang Sakdi Sanlayawut (Sunee Suwanprateep), Captain Luang Arwut Sikikorn (Long Sinsuk) and First Lieutenant Tip Ketuthat) learned to fly and on 2 November 1913 returned to Thailand with eight aircraft (four Breguets and four Nieuports). They are today regarded as the forefathers of the Royal Thai Air Force. In March of the next year they moved from Sa Patham airfield to Don Muang. is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Société des Ateliers dAviation Louis Bréguet, a former French aircraft manufacturer, was set up in 1911 by aviation pioneer Louis Charles Breguet. ... Nieuport 17 C.1 fighter of World War I Nieuport is a French aeroplane company famous for racers before World War I (WWI) and fighter aircraft during WWI and between the wars. ... Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base is the main operating and command base for the Royal Thai Air Force. ...

The Ministry of Defence put the early air force under the control of the Army Engineer Inspector General Department.

During the French-Thai War, the Thai Air Force scored several air-to-air-victories against the Vichy France Armée de l'Air. After World War II, Thai Air Force also sent 3 C-47 to support the United Nation in Korean War. The victory Wings Unit, operated C-47, is also join the US Force in Vietnam War. Along the border, Thai Air Force launch many campaign against communist such as Ban Nam Ta Airfeild Raid in Laos and crash between Thai and Vietnamese troop along the Thai-Combodian border. When the cold war is ended, Thai Air Force also paticipated in Operation Border Post 9631 along Thai-Burmese border in 1999, and lauched the evacuation for Thais and foreigner in 2003 Phnom Penh riots in Cambodia. Combatants Vichy France Thailand Commanders Jean Decoux Plaek Phibunsongkhram Strength 50,000 men, 20 tanks, ~100 aircraft 60,000 men, 134 tanks, 140 aircraft, 18 vessels Casualties 321 KIA and WIA, 178 MIA, 222 captured, 22 aircraft 54 KIA, 307 WIA, 21 captured, 8-13 aircraft The French-Thai War... Vichy France (French: now called Régime de Vichy or Vichy; called itself at the time État Français, or French State) was the French state of 1940-1944 which was a puppet government under Nazi influence, as opposed to the Free French Forces, based first in London and later... The familiar French military aviation roundel gave rise to similar roundels for air forces all over the world, including that of the United Kingdom (RAF), which reversed the colors on the French roundel. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Douglas DC-3 VH-AES at Avalon in 2003. ... This article is about the United Nations, for other uses of UN see UN (disambiguation) Official languages English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic Secretary-General Kofi Annan (since 1997) Established October 24, 1945 Member states 191 Headquarters New York City, NY, USA Official site http://www. ... Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... Douglas DC-3 VH-AES at Avalon in 2003. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... The fluid historical relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has prompted some Thai nationalists to claim that Angkor belongs to Thailand. ...

Flag of Royal Thai Air Force

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Aircraft inventory

Combat aircraft

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 ADF on Children's Day 2006 (Jan 14, 06) at Don Mueng AFB. Photo by Analayo Korsakul

Builder	Model	Origin	Type	Number	Details
Saab	JAS 39 Gripen	Sweden	Air superiority / strike fighter / Maritime attacker	12	On order. Delivery in 2010
General Dynamics / Lockheed Corporation	F-16A	United States	Air superiority / strike fighter	29	Plus an additional 2 as parts spares.
General Dynamics / Lockheed Corporation	F-16B	United States	Air superiority / strike fighter / trainer	15	Dual-seat trainers.
General Dynamics / Lockheed Corporation	F-16ADF	United States	Air superiority / strike fighter	15	AIM-120 capable.
Northrop	F-5T Tigris	United States	Fighter-bomber	~15	Upgraded by Israel, armed with Python 4 missile.
Northrop	F-5E	United States	Fighter-bomber	~15	Due for replacement.
Northrop	F-5B	United States	Fighter-bomber / trainer	~3	Early model F-5B's used for training purposes.
Northrop	F-5F	United States	Fighter-bomber / trainer	~5	Two-seat training version of Northrop F-5.
Aero	L-39ZA/ART Albatros	Czechoslovakia	Light attack aircraft / trainer	36	Westernized version of the Aero L-39 Albatros, equipped with Israeli avionics.
Dornier / Dassault-Breguet	Alpha Jet	Germany  France	Light attack aircraft / trainer	19	Ex-Luftwaffe.
Pilatus Aircraft	AU-23A Peacemaker	Switzerland  United States	Light attack aircraft / utility	~20	Armed version of the Pilatus PC-6.

An Airborne photo of L-39ZA/ART, Alphajet A, F-16A, and AU-23A during air show in children's day 2007.

Image File history File linksMetadata Rtaf_f16adf_102_analayo. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Rtaf_f16adf_102_analayo. ... For the manufacturer of Saab cars, see Saab Automobile. ... The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin or Gryphon) is a fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) is a defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2006 it is the sixth largest defense contractor in the world[2]. The company has changed markedly in the post-Cold War era of defense consolidation. ... The Lockheed SR-71 was remarkably advanced for its time and remains unsurpassed in many areas of performance. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) is a defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2006 it is the sixth largest defense contractor in the world[2]. The company has changed markedly in the post-Cold War era of defense consolidation. ... The Lockheed SR-71 was remarkably advanced for its time and remains unsurpassed in many areas of performance. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) is a defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2006 it is the sixth largest defense contractor in the world[2]. The company has changed markedly in the post-Cold War era of defense consolidation. ... The Lockheed SR-71 was remarkably advanced for its time and remains unsurpassed in many areas of performance. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multirole jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range, Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM (pronounced am-ram), commonly known to air crews as the Slammer, is a new generation air-to-air missile, developed as the result of an agreement between the United States and other NATO countries (see below). ... The Northrop Corporation was a leading aircraft manufacturer of the United States. ... The F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Python is a family of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) designed, developed, and manufactured by the Israeli weapons manufacturing company RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. ... The Northrop Corporation was a leading aircraft manufacturer of the United States. ... The F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Northrop Corporation was a leading aircraft manufacturer of the United States. ... The F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Northrop Corporation was a leading aircraft manufacturer of the United States. ... The F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop in the United States, beginning in 1960s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Aero Vodochody (commonly referred to as Aero, Vodochody is location) is a Czech (and Czechoslovak) aircraft company notable for producing the L-29 Delfin, L-39 Albatros and the L-159 Alca. ... The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance, jet trainer aircraft developed in Czechoslovakia to meet requirements for a C-39 (C for Cvičný - trainer) during the 1960s to replace the L-29 Delfín. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Czechoslovakia. ... Dornier logo. ... Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet of the UK defence technology organisation QinetiQ Dassault Aviation is a French aircraft manufacturer of military, regional and business jets. ... Alpha Jet owned by Red Bull The Alpha Jet is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by Dornier of Germany and Dassault-Breguet of France. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Deutsche Luftwaffe or   (German: air force, literally Air Weapon, pronounced lufft-va-fa, IPA: ) is the commonly used term for the German air force. ... The PC-12 is Pilatus most successful aircraft to date. ... The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a civilian utility aircraft built by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Switzerland. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Transport aircraft

Builder	Model	Origin	Type	Number	Details
Lockheed Corporation	C-130	United States	Tactical transport	12	12 model H/H-30's in service of 601 Sqn
Basler Turbo Conversions	BT-67	United States	Tactical transport	8	Re-manufactured Douglas DC-3 Dakota's. Used for aerial firefighting and cloud seeding. One written in a crash in August 2006. Used by the 461 Sqn
GAF	Nomad	Australia	Surveillance and patrol aircraft	19	6 left in service with 461 Sqn.
Alenia	G.222	Italy	tactical transport	3	3 additional airframes stored at Don Mueang RTAFB, used by 603 Sqn. Alenia has demonstrated it's latest version of the G.222, the Alenia C-27J recently to the Thai military.
Avro	748	United Kingdom	Short range transport	4	One airframe stricken from fleet after a wheels up landing in 2005, used by 603 Sqn.
Boeing	737-2Z6	United States	Narrowbody airliner	1	For Royal Flight. Stricken from active fleet effective October 1st 2006 and stored at Don Mueang RTAFB.
Boeing	737-4Z6	United States	Narrowbody airliner	1	For Royal Flight.
Boeing	737-8Z6	United States	Narrowbody airliner	1	For Royal Flight. Delivered on April 19th 2007.
Airbus	A310-300	European Union	Long range transport	1	For Royal Flight.
Airbus	A319-115X CJ	European Union	Narrowbody transport	1	For government business. Mired in controversy as aircraft was procured for the exclusive use of the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Now used as a spare airplane for the Royal Flight.
Saab	Saab 340	Sweden	Trainsport/ Training	1	On order. Delivery in 2010.

The Lockheed SR-71 was remarkably advanced for its time and remains unsurpassed in many areas of performance. ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Basler BT-67 is a fixed-wing aircraft produced by Basler Turbo Conversions. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Douglas DC-3 is a fixed-wing, propeller-driven aircraft, which revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s and is generally regarded as one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made (also see Boeing 707 and Boeing 747). ... For other uses, see GAF. Gaf may be the name of three different Arabic letters, all representing the sound of g. They are all forms of the letter kāf, with additional diacritics, such as dots and lines. ... The GAF Nomad is a twin-engined high-winged STOL aircraft built by the Australian Government Aircraft Factory (GAF). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Alenia Aeronautica Italian aeronautic company Alenia Difesa Italian defense products company Alenia Spazio Italian aerospace company [now called Alcatel Alenia Space] Alenia Marconi Systems or AMS Anglo-Italian electronic company Categories: Disambiguation ... The Alenia G.222 (Alenia originally Aeritalia) is a medium-sized STOL military transport aircraft. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Italy. ... The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a medium-sized military transport aircraft. ... Avro 504K. Avro was a British aircraft manufacturer, well known for planes such as the Avro Lancaster which served in World War II. One of the worlds first aircraft builders, A.V.Roe and Company was established at Brownsfield Mills, Manchester, England by Alliot Verdon Roe and his brother... The Avro 748 was a small short-range turboprop airliner designed by Avro in the late 1950s as a replacement for the now-aged DC-3s then in widespread service as feederliners. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about the airliner manufacturer. ... The Airbus A310 is a medium to long-range widebody airliner manufactured by Airbus S.A.S. It was Airbus second model to be introduced, and is a shortened derivative of the A300. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about the airliner manufacturer. ... The Airbus A320 family of short-to-medium range commercial passenger aircraft are manufactured by Airbus S.A.S.. Family members include the A318, A319, A320, and A321, as well as the ACJ business jet. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... “Thaksin” redirects here. ... For the manufacturer of Saab cars, see Saab Automobile. ... The Saab 340 is a two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild in a 65:35 ratio. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ...

reconnaissance

Builder	Model	Origin	Type	Number	Details
Lear Jet	Learjet 35A	United States	Patrol aircraft	2	1 remaining, used by 402 Sqn.
Israel Aircraft Industries	IAI Arava	Israel	Patrol aircraft	3	At least one airframe stored, used by 402 Sqn.
Saab	Saab 340 with ERIEYE	Sweden	AEW&C	2	On order. Delivery in 2010.

C-GBFP - Adlair Aviation - Learjet 25 (LJ25) refueling at Cambridge Bay Airport, Nunavut, Canada. ... The Learjet Model 35 and Model 36 are a series of American multi-role business jets and military transports (designated by the U.S. Air Force as C-21A). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Israel Aircraft Industries or IAI is Israels prime aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial systems for both military and civilian usage. ... fgfgfgfg --213. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Israel. ... For the manufacturer of Saab cars, see Saab Automobile. ... The Erieye radar system, is an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) developed by Ericsson of Sweden. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ...

Trainer aircraft

Royal Thai Air Force UH-1H picking up a downed pilot in the CSAR demonstration mission in Children's Day 2007 at Don Muang Airport.

Builder	Model	Origin	Type	Number	Details
Pacific Aerospace	PAC CT/4	New Zealand	Trainer	~20	24 were purchased, at least 3 are known to have crashed.
Pilatus Aircraft	PC-9	Switzerland	Trainer	23

Image File history File links Size of this preview: 780 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 787 pixel, file size: 626 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Royal Thai Air Force UH-1H picking up a downed pilot in the CSAR demonstration mission in Childrens Day 2007 at Don Muang Airport. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 780 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 787 pixel, file size: 626 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Royal Thai Air Force UH-1H picking up a downed pilot in the CSAR demonstration mission in Childrens Day 2007 at Don Muang Airport. ... A PAC Cresco rigged for skydiving Pacific Aerospace Corporation (PAC) is an aircraft manufacturing company based in Hamilton, New Zealand. ... The Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer series are all-metal construction, single-engine, two place side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic, piston engined, basic training aircraft manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... The PC-12 is Pilatus most successful aircraft to date. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Switzerland. ...

Helicopter

Builder	Model	Origin	Type	Number	Details
Bell Helicopter Textron	UH-1 Iroquois	United States	Utility helicopter/CSAR	20	Soon to be replaced
Bell Helicopter Textron	Bell 412SP	United States  Canada	Utility helicopter	17	For Royal Flight.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation	Sikorsky S-92	United States	Utility helicopter	3	On order. Delivery in 2010. For Royal Flight.

Bell Helicopter Textron is an American helicopter and tiltrotor manufacturer headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. ... This article is about the military versions of the Bell 204 and 205 models. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Bell Helicopter Textron is an American helicopter and tiltrotor manufacturer headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. ... It has been suggested that CH-146 Griffon be merged into this article or section. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Sikorsky is an American aircraft and helicopter manufacturer. ... The Sikorsky S-92 is a medium-lift twin-engine helicopter. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

Divisions

The Royal Thai Air Force is divided into 4 divisions plus a training school, plus a few direct-reporting units. Each division is then subdivided into wings, with a total 2-3 wings each division.

• 1st Air Division

* The 1st Air Division composes of two wings, the 2nd Wing and the 6th Wing.

* The 2nd Wing is a rotary aviation wing that is used for basic utility needs and transport as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations. This wing is normally based at RTAFB Lop Buri in Lop Buri Province

* The 6th Wing is a non-combat wing used for a variety of functions including transport, mapping, communications and surveying. This wing is based at RTAFB Don Muang / Bangkok.

• 2nd Air Division

* The 2nd Air Division composes of three wings, the 1st Wing, the 21th Wing, and the 23rd Wing.

* The 1st Wing is an attack wing based at RTAFB Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

* The 21st Wing is an attack wing based at RTAFB Ubon Ratchathani in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

* The 23rd Wing is a light attack wing based at RTAFB Ubon in Ubon-Thani Province.

• 3rd Air Division

* The 3rd Air Division composes of three wings, the 4th Wing, the 41st Wing, and the 46th Wing. Another wing, the 42nd Wing, is reported to exist.

* The 4th Wing is a light attack / fighter wing based at RTAFB Takhli in Nakhon Sawan Province.

* The 41st Wing is a light attack wing based at RTAFB Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai Province.

* The 46st Wing is a transport / rainmaking wing based at RTAFB Phitsanulok in Phitsanulok Province.

• 4th Air Division

* The 4th Air Division composes of three wings, the 7th Wing, the 53rd Wing, and the 56th Wing.

* The 7th Wing is an attack wing based at RTAFB Surat Thani in Surat Thani Province.

* The 5th Wing is a transport / observation wing based at RTAFB Prachuap Khiri Khan in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

* The 56th Wing is a currently forming wing based at RTAFB Hatyai in Songkhla Province.

• Flying Training School

* The Flying Training School composes of three squadrons, the 1st Flying Training Squadron, 2nd Flying Training Squadron, and the 3rd Flying Training Squadron. The school is based at RTAFB Kamphang Saen in Nakhon Pathom Province

Lopburi (Thai ลพบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Ratchasima (Thai: ), often shortened to Korat or Khorat, is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Ubon Ratchathani (often in short Ubon, Thai อุบลราชธานี) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Sawan (Thai: ) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Chiang Mai (Thai เชียงใหม่) is the second-biggest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ... Phitsanulok (Thai: ) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North of Thailand. ... Surat Thani (often in short Surat, Thai: ) is the largest of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. ... Prachuap Khiri Khan (Thai ประจวบคีรีขันธ์) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Songkhla (Thai: ) is the one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Pathom (Thai นครปฐม) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ...

Squadrons

The following squadrons are currently active with the Royal Thai Air Force and their assigned Wing and equipment.

Structure

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. Location within in Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governer Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ...

The logistics 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.

The operational units of the air force are organised into two functional elements: a tactical air command structured and equipped for conventional warfare and an aerial security force trained and geared for counterinsurgency and other internal security missions.

In 1987 the tactical air command had a combat force of one squadron committed to forward ground attack, two squadrons of fighter-interceptors also used for armed reconnaissance, a separate reconnaissance squadron that also served in a training role, three transport squadrons, one utility squadron, two helicopter squadrons, and one training squadron. Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ...

By the late 1990s the RTAF Air Power was composed of four regional Air Divisions and a Flying Training School.

• The First Air Division (AD) has its air bases in Bangkok area,

• The Second Air Division is located in the eastern part of Thailand

• The Third Air Division is in the central and northern-provinces

• The Fourth Air Division has its bases in the long stretch of the southern provinces.

• The security force consists of seven counterinsurgency squadrons, equipped with helicopter gunships, and other light aircraft suitable for counterinsurgency operations. Airfield security is provided by four battalions of troops trained in perimeter defence tactics.

Royal Thai Air Force Bases

The Royal Thai Air Force maintains a number of modern bases from which it conducts its administrative, transport, and training operations. The bases, which were constructed between 1954 and 1968, have permanent buildings, sophisticated ground support equipment, and some of the best runways in Asia. Year 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

All but one were part of the network of airfields built and used by United States forces until their withdrawal from Thailand in 1976. Consolidating the equipment left by the departing units in accordance with government-to-government agreements, the Thai air force assumed use of the installations at Takhli and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility and is the home of the RTAF Wing 4, 401, 402, 403 squadrons. ... Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base is a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. ...

In the late 1980s, these bases and Don Muang Air Base outside Bangkok, which the air force shares with civil aviation, remains the primary operational holdings. Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base is the main operating and command base for the Royal Thai Air Force. ... Location within in Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governer Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ...

Maintenance of the facilities at other bases abandoned by the United States proved too 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 Bangkok's International Airport. The RTAF also had large air fields and facilities at Nakon Ratchasima Ubon Ratchathani, and Takhli. Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Don Mueang (International) Airport (IATA: DMK, ICAO: VTBD) (or also (Old) Bangkok International Airport) (Thai: , also Don Muang) is an airport in Bangkok, Thailand. ... Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility and is the home of Wing 21 of the RTAF 2nd Air Division. ... Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility and is the home of the RTAF Wing 4, 401, 402, 403 squadrons. ...

Command and Control

The Commander of Royal Thai Air Force is Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk, who is headquartered in Bangkok. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns in RAF No 1 Dress uniform Air Chief Marshal (Air Chf Mshl or ACM) is a senior air officer rank in the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom As well as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and air forces of many Commonwealth... Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk is a Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and a deputy in the military junta that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 military coup. ...

News

News about Royal Thai Air Force procurement program.

New Fighter Procurement Program

An example of Royal Thai Air Force JAS-39 Gripen painted in 701 Sqn. scheme. Design by ZeroCraft of Thaifighterclub.org

As it is known in Thailand as RTAF 20th fighter program, RTAF currently study 3 models of the new fighter to replace its aging Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters. Requirements are for 12 aircraft withe expected delivery date in 2011. Fighters being examined for the purchase are the American Lockheed Martin F-16C/D block 50/52, the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKIT, and the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Recent reports in the Thai press indicate that the selection has been made, and that formal approval for the purchase is pending. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Lockheed/BAE/Northrop F-35 Lockheed Trident missile C-130 Hercules; in production since the 1950s, now as the C-130J Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is an aerospace manufacturer formed in 1995 by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta. ... The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a modern multi-role jet fighter aircraft built in the United States and used by dozens of countries all over the world. ... Sukhoi (pronounced [suk-oi]) (Сухой) is a major Russian military fighter aircraft manufacturer. ... Sukhoi-30 (Nato: Flanker-C) The Sukhoi Su-30 is a military aircraft that was produced by the Russian company Sukhoi in 1996. ... For the manufacturer of Saab cars, see Saab Automobile. ... The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin or Gryphon) is a fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. ...

On 16 October 2007, leaked information indicated that a decision had been reached to acquire twelve Gripens.^[1][2] A source said to Reuters that the F16 had been preferred, but American legislation prevents sales to countries whose governments are overthrown. However, this is incorrect as there is no US arms embargo on Thailand, showed by the fact that Thailand has recently awarded a US company a large contract for modernizing its fleet of military transport aircraft. Reuters Group plc (LSE: RTR and NASDAQ: RTRSY); pronounced is known as a financial market data provider and a news service that provides reports from around the world to newspapers and broadcasters. ...

On a press conference on 17 October, the decision to buy six JAS 39 Gripen (version C/D), with an option for six more,^[3] was presented by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk. Twelve JAS 39 Gripen, two Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C, and one Saab 340, training, technology transfer, and a number of RBS-15 anti-ship missiles will be delivered to RTAF in two phases: Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns in RAF No 1 Dress uniform Air Chief Marshal (Air Chf Mshl or ACM) is a senior air officer rank in the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom As well as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and air forces of many Commonwealth... Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk is a Thai air force officer, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, and a deputy in the military junta that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 military coup. ... The Saab 340 is a two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild in a 65:35 ratio. ... The Erieye radar system, is an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) developed by Ericsson of Sweden. ... United States Air Force E-3 Sentry An Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system is a radar system carried by an aircraft which is designed to detect other aircraft. ... The Saab 340 is a two-engine turboprop aircraft designed and initially produced by a partnership between Saab and Fairchild in a 65:35 ratio. ... The RBS15 is a anti-ship missile developed by the Swedish company Bofors (now Saab Bofors Dynamics) and will be also produced by Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik of Germany. ... Image:RBS-15 missile launch. ...

• first phase: consists of six JAS 39 Gripen and one Saab 340 Erieye from 2007 to 2012.
• second phase: consists of six JAS 39 Gripen, one Saab 340 Erieye, and one Saab 340 from 2013 to 2017.^[4][5]

New helicopter for Royal Flight

The Royal Thai Air Force has become the latest head-of-state customer to fly a Sikorsky S-92 VIP helicopter, as Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. On 17 October 2007, RTAF announced purchasing of three of the VIP aircraft to transport the Thai Royal Family.^[6] The Sikorsky S-92 is a medium-lift twin-engine helicopter. ... Sikorsky is an American aircraft and helicopter manufacturer. ... The House of Chakri has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era in 1782 after king Taksin of Thonburi was declared mad and the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. ...

See also

• Military of Thailand
• Royal Thai Army
• Royal Thai Navy
• Military ranks of the Thai armed forces

The Royal Thai Military (กองทัพไทย) is the name of the military of Thailand. ... The Royal Thai Army is the army of Thailand. ... Thai Navy ensign Thai Navy jack The Royal Thai Navy (Thai: ) is the navy of Thailand and was established in the late 1800s. ... // The Royal Thai Army (กองทัพบกไทย - RTGS Kong Thap Bok Thai - IPA kɔ:ŋ tháp bòk thaj) is the land based part of the Thai military. ...

External links

• Royal Thai Air Force
• Royal Thai Air Force Museum Many Historical Aircraft Here (English Page available)
• RTAF Aircraft Photos
• Reports with drawings and pictures about the Royal Thai Air Force
• Globalsecurity.org
• ThaiAviation.com's Gallery of RTAF Museum Aircraft

References

• Early history of the Airports of Thailand Authority