Thai Air Force

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Thai Air Force
กองทัพ อากาศ ไทย
Kong Thap Akat Thai
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

flag

Flag of the RTAF
Lineup January 18, 1911
Country ThailandThailand Thailand
Armed forces Thai Armed Forces
Type Armed forces ( air forces )
management
Commander RTAF Air Chief Marshal Maanat Wongwat
insignia
Aircraft cockade Roundel of Thailand.svg
National emblem ( vertical stabilizer ) Fin Flash of Thailand.svg

The Thai Air Force ( Thai กองทัพ อากาศ ไทย , RTGS Kong Thap Akat Thai ; English Royal Thai Air Force , abbreviated RTAF ) is the air force of the armed forces of the Kingdom of Thailand .

It has a strength of 45,000 soldiers and is equipped with 104 combat aircraft , 30 transport aircraft and 45 helicopters .

history

Beginning

The Thai Air Force was established on January 18, 1911 as the Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service (RSAS). The first three pilots were Major Luang Sakdisulyavudh, Captain Luang Arvudsikikorn and First Lieutenant Thip Ketudat, who all received their pilot training in France. The first aircraft, four Breguet III and four Nieuport II N also came from France.

In July 1917 the Kingdom of Siam declared war on the Central Powers (Germany and Austria). King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) sent an expeditionary force to Europe to fight on the side of the Allies . The contingent also included a division of the aviation corps of 95 officers and men who were later trained as pilots at the French aviation schools in Avord and Istre .

After the fighting ended, the Siamese contingent became part of the occupying army in the German Rhineland . In August 1919 the contingent finally returned to Siam, with a number of SPAD S.VII and S.XIII , Nieuport-Delage Ni-D.29 soldiers, Breguet XIV A2 scouts and Breguet XIV B2 bombers as well as various Nieuport- Exercise machines. The French machines formed the backbone of the RSAS until the 1930s.

Paribatra and Prajadhipok

In the 1920s, the RSAS workshops were able to manufacture the Breguet 14 and the SPAD S.XIII under license. The engines still had to be obtained from France. In 1927 Renault increased the prices for the engines massively, so that RSAS, aware of its dependency, had to look for a new supplier. However, under Major Vechayant Rangsarit, not only was a new engine sought, a new Siamese aircraft was also constructed.

The Paribatra was planned as a bomber and should replace the Breguet. The first flight of the first aircraft developed entirely in Siam took place on June 23, 1927 in Don Mueang . The Paribatra was powered by a BMW VI engine, later two other variants with a Bristol-Jupiter and a Curtiss D-12 engine were produced. The Paribatra was not produced in large numbers and was only used as a test aircraft. Major Vechayant Rangsarit developed a hunter as a second machine, named after King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) . Only one machine of the Prajadhipok was built, as the performance did not bring any improvement over the SPAD S.XIII.

RSAF and RTAF

In 1932, the Royal Siamese Aeronautical Service became an independent armed force renamed besides the Army and Navy and Royal Siamese Air Force (RSAF). From 1933, the RSAF acquired new machines to replace the outdated Nieuport-Delage Ni-D.29 and Breguet XIV. 72 Vought V-93S (S3O-6) Corsair (from 1933), twelve Curtiss Hawk II (F11C-1) (from 1934) and 49 Curtiss Hawk III (BF2C-1) (from 1935) were put into service. On June 24, 1939, Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram announced that Siam would now be called Thailand. The RSAF became the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

Second World War

Model of a Thai Ki-43

The RTAF was able to prove its strength in the Franco-Thai War 1940/41. In the early morning of December 8, 1941, the Japanese invaded nine places in Thailand at the same time as the attack on Pearl Harbor . The RTAF was able to inflict heavy losses on the Japanese troops on the first day of the fight - especially in the defense of the Songkhla airfield . After a few hours of fighting, Thai Prime Minister Field Marshal Phibun Songkhram, who had since returned from a trip, ordered the ceasefire. Finally, on December 21, an agreement was signed that formally made Thailand an ally of Japan and the United States' antagonist. However, the Thai ambassador to the USA refused to deliver the relevant document. As a result, Thailand was not treated as an enemy by the USA.

US military aid

In return for Thailand's participation in the Korean War , the RTAF received US military aid. The RTAF acquired Lockheed T-33 T-Bird trainer aircraft and Republic F-84G Thunderjet and North American F-86F Saber jet aircraft . During the Vietnam War , pilots from Thailand were also on duty with Douglas C-47 Dakota and Fairchild C-123 Provider transport aircraft. In 1980 attempts were made to extend the service life of the C-123 fleet, but the development of the C-123T failed.

Aircraft from German production

In 1982, 47 RFB Fantrainer 400/600 were sold to the Royal Thai Air Force. There were 31 machines of version 400 and 16 machines of version 600. One machine of each version was built by Rhein Flugzeugbau GmbH in Mönchengladbach . The RTAF wanted to assemble the remaining machines themselves. The items were packed in overseas boxes and sent to Thailand. However, only 11 Fantrainer 400 and 15 Fantrainer 600 were actually built there.

In 1999 Thailand acquired 26 used German Alpha Jet A's on extremely favorable terms . The cost of the major overhaul of the machines exceeded the purchase price many times over, which led to lively discussions in parliament. The light fighter-bombers were taken over in September 2000 by the 231st squadron, in the RTAF they were given the designation BJ-7 (attack aircraft no. 7). The 231st Squadron belongs to the 23rd Squadron and is stationed in Udon Thani . Only 20 machines were made airworthy, while the last six serve as spare parts donors. The RTAF equipped all active Alpha Jets between 2004 and 2007 with chaff launchers in the stern and AIM-9 side winches .

Newer procurement projects

The 7th Squadron on the RTAFB Surat Thani base was to receive a second squadron with a new fighter aircraft since 2001. However, the procurement was postponed again and again for cost reasons. In 2005 the RTAF had defined the Saab JAS-39 Gripen as the new fighter, but this was not approved by the then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra , because he favored the Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker. Another competitor is the Lockheed F-16A Fighting Falcon , of which the RTAF already operates some machines. After the removal of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the cabinet under Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont gave the green light on October 16, 2007 to purchase twelve Saab JAS-39 Gripen. The Saab Gripen were assigned to the 701st Squadron of the 7th Squadron in Surat Thani and were transferred to the unit in 2011. The F-5E of the 701st Squadron will continue to operate until all Gripen are operational.

In addition to the Gripen, the RTAF is also procuring three Saab 340s from Sweden. Two machines will be delivered as Saab 340 AEW / C with the Erieye radar system while one will be delivered as a training machine .

As the new VIP transport helicopter for the king, the Sikorsky S-92 was selected by the premier's office in September 2007 . In a selection process, the Sikorsky machine prevailed against the AgustaWestland EH101 . The RTAF has a requirement for three helicopters, which are to be delivered in December 2010.

On November 5, 2007, the new prototype of a trainer developed by the Royal Thai Air Force was presented in a ceremony led by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk . The 30 million baht project started in 2005. The machine called B.ChO.2 is a licensed re-engine of the Aermacchi SF 260 , which was previously used by the Royal Thai Air Force.

In 2008, the RTAF acquired four ATR-72 transport machines to replace the outdated Avro 748. One of the machines was equipped as a VIP aircraft. To save costs, the other three ATR-72 are standard passenger aircraft without any military modifications. On April 30, 2012, a plane had an accident while approaching Zia International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Chief Air Marshal "Foo Foo"

A poodle named Foo Foo - a pet owned by then Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his ex-wife - reportedly held the title of Air Chief Marshal of the Thai Air Force from late 2009 until his death in 2015 .

structure

The Royal Thai Air Force is divided into four divisions , a flight school and some directly subordinate units. Each division is divided into two to three squadrons (wings), which in turn are divided into squadrons .

  • 1st division
The 1st division consists of two squadrons, the 2nd and 6th squadron, the operational area is central Thailand and the area around Bangkok.
  • The 2nd Squadron is a helicopter squadron with two squadrons (201st / 20th Squadron, Bell 412 / UH-1). The primary task of the squadrons is light air transport, air rescue and liaison duties. The squadron is stationed on the RTAFB Lop Buri in Lop Buri Province .
  • The 6th Squadron is the RTAF's transport squadron with four squadrons (601st to 604th) and is stationed on the RTAFB Don Mueang in Bangkok .
  • 2nd division
The 2nd division consists of three squadrons, the 1st, 21st and 23rd squadrons, the operational area is eastern Thailand.
  • The 1st squadron is a fighter squadron and consists of squadrons 102 and 103, which are equipped with F-16A. It is stationed on the RTAFB Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima Province .
  • The 21st Squadron is a one-squadron fighter squadron (211th Squadron, F-5) stationed on the RTAFB Ubon Ratchathani .
  • The 23rd Squadron is a one-squadron attack squadron (231st Squadron, Alpha Jet) stationed on the RTAFB Udon Thani .
  • 3rd division
The 3rd Division comprises three squadrons, the 4th, 41st and 46th squadrons, the area of ​​operations is central and northern Thailand.
  • The 4th Squadron is a multi-purpose squadron with four squadrons (401st / 402nd / 403rd / 404th Squadron, KAI T-50 Golden Eagle / Piaggo EVO & DA-42MPP / F-16A & B / Aerostar UAV) that operates on the RTAFB Takhli in the province of Nakhon Sawan is stationed.
  • The 41st Squadron is a single squadron attack squadron (411 Squadron, L-39) stationed at RTAFB Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai Province .
  • The 46th Squadron is a transport squadron with one squadron (461st Squadron, Basler BT-67), which is stationed on the RTAFB Phitsanulok . In addition to the transport task, the area of ​​activity of the 461st Squadron also includes rain making ( Fon luang ) .
  • 4th division
The 4th division consists of three squadrons, the 5th, 7th and 56th squadrons, the operational area is southern Thailand.
  • The 5th Squadron is a light transport squadron with one squadron (501st Squadron, AU-23) stationed on the RTAFB Prachuap Khiri Khan in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province .
  • The 7th Squadron is a one-squadron fighter squadron (701st Squadron Saab Gripen / 702nd Squadron, Saab 340) that is stationed at the RTAFB Surat Thani in Surat Thani Province .
  • The 56th Squadron is an inactive squadron with no squadron. It is stationed at RTAFB Hat Yai in Songkhla Province .
  • Flying Training School
The RTAF flight school at RTAFB Kamphang Saen in Nakhon Pathom Province consists of two squadrons.
  • 1. AGV basic training
  • 2. AGV advanced training and retraining in jet aircraft
  • Special forces
The 904th Squadron is a unit that simulates enemy attacks for training purposes ( aggressor unit ). It is equipped with the Northrop F-5E Tiger II and is stationed on the RTAFB Don Mueang in Bangkok . As a special feature, the 904th season reports directly to King Maha Vajiralongkorn . The RTAF has no authority over this season.

Current equipment

Status: July 2014

Planes

F-5E Tiger II
C-130H Hercules

helicopter

Bell 412 and Sikorsky S-92 of the RTAF
helicopter origin use version active Ordered Remarks
Bell UH-1 United StatesUnited States United States Transport helicopter UH-1H 18th
Bell 412 United StatesUnited States United States Transport helicopter 8th
Eurocopter EC 725 European UnionEuropean Union European Union Multipurpose helicopter 8th 4th
Sikorsky S-92 United StatesUnited States United States VIP transport helicopter 5

Commanders

precursor
Surname position from to
Field Marshal Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Commander of the Flying Union of the Army 1913 1915
Colonel Phraya Chalerm Akas Commander of the Army Aviation Force 1915 1918
Major General Phraya Chalerm Akas Commander of the Army Aviation Force 1918 1932
Colonel Phraya Vehasayan Silapasit Head of the Army Aviation Department 1932 1935
Colonel Phra Vedchayunrungsarit (Munee Mahasunthana) Head of the Army Aviation Department 1935 1937
Royal Thai Air Force
No. Surname from to
1 General Phra Vedchayunrungsarit (Munee Mahasunthana)
(until 1939 as commander of the RSAF) 		1937 1941
2 Lieutenant General Luang Atigtevadej (Bunchiam Komsamit) 1941 1943
3 Lieutenant General Luang Tevaritpunluok (Cape Thattanon) 1943 1949
4th Marshal of the Air Force Fuen Ronnaphagrad Ritthakhanee 1949 1957
5 Marshal of the Air Force Chaloamkeit Vatthanagkol 1957 1960
6th General Bunchu Chantarubaksha 1960 1974
7th General Kamon Dachatungkha 1974 1977
8th General Phaneang Kantharat 1977 1981
9 General Thakoel Susillavorn 1981 1983
10 General Prapan Dhupatemiya 1983 1987
11 General Warranuad Apijaree 1987 1989
12 General Kasaet Rodjananin 1989 1992
13 General Kunth Pimarntrip 1992 1993
14th General Siripong Thongyai 1993 1996
15th General Amon Naewmalee 1996 1997
16 General Thanit Niumtundhi 1997 1999
17th General Sanan Tuatip 1999 2000
18th General Pong Manesilp 2000 2002
19th General Kongsak Wantana 2002 31 Jul 2005
20th General Chalerm Chumchuensuk
 31 Jul 2005 Aug 30, 2005
21st General Chalit Pukbhasuk 2005 2008
22nd General Itthaporn Subhawong 2008 2012
23 General Prachin Chantong 2012 2014
24 General Trithot Sonchaeng 2014
25th General Yom Rungsawang 2016
26th General Chaiyapruek Tishyasarin 2018
27 General Maanat Wongwat 2019

Web links

Commons : Royal Thai Air Force  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/1-History/Hist-Basis-de.htm
  2. ^ Edward M. Young: Aerial Nationalism, A History of Aviation in Thailand , ISBN 1-56098-405-8
  3. ^ Ninety years of Air Power Royal Thai Air Force, RTAF Museum Bangkok
  4. ↑ http://www.rtaf.mi.th/museum/index.html ( Memento from October 23, 2007 in the Internet Archive )
  5. ^ David K. Wyatt: Thailand A Short History . Silkworm Books, Chiang Mai 1984, ISBN 974-7047-44-6 , p. 256
  6. ↑ Thailand selects Gripen and Erieye. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009 ; accessed on March 23, 2020 .
  7. ↑ http://www.fader.dyndns.org/wings/TAirForce/thaiafbasis01d.htm ( Memento from May 27, 2007 in the Internet Archive )
  8. ↑ http://www.rtaf.mi.th/rtafnews/rtafnewsdetail.asp?id=902 ( Memento from June 16, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
  9. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/200-Aircraft/EADS-ATR/Transport.htm ( Memento from June 6, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
  10. ↑ Aircraft accident data and report in the Aviation Safety Network (English)
  11. ^ Gordon Rayner: WikiLeaks cables: Thailand's royal pet . In: The Daily Telegraph , February 5, 2011;
    Hamish McDonald: Thai politics becomes a dog's dinner . In: Sydney Morning Herald , February 12, 2011.
  12. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/5-Orbat/2020.htm
  13. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/5-Orbat/2020.htm
  14. ↑ World Air Forces 2014. (PDF; 3.9 MB) In: Flightglobal Insight. 2014, archived from the original on December 25, 2013 ; accessed on March 26, 2014 (English).
  15. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/2-Aircraft/Saab-Grippen/Fighter.htm
  16. ↑ บ ล. ๑๓ BL.13 Airbus A310-324 ( Memento from July 29, 2014 in the web archive archive.today )
  17. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/200-Aircraft/Airbus-A-319/Transport.htm ( Memento from June 6, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
  18. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/200-Aircraft/Airbus-A-319/Transport.htm ( Memento from June 6, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
  19. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/200-Aircraft/Boeing-737-400/Transport.htm ( Memento from June 6, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
  20. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/2-Aircraft/Airbus-A-340/Transport.htm
  21. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/2-Aircraft/Suchoj-Superjet/Transport.htm
  22. ↑ http://www.aerotelegraph.com/business-version-des-sukhoi-superjets-nnahm-fahrt-auf Business-Superjet is well received in Thailand, accessed on January 6, 2017
  23. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/200-Aircraft/EADS-ATR/Transport.htm ( Memento from June 6, 2015 in the Internet Archive )
  24. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/2-Aircraft/Eurocopter-Cougar/Helicopter.htm
  25. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/2-Aircraft/Sikorsky-S-92/Helicopter.htm
  26. ↑ http://www.fader.dyndns.org/wings/TAirForce/thaiafbasis08d.htm ( Memento from June 3, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
  27. ↑ http://www.fader.dyndns.org/wings/TAirForce/thaiafbasis08d.htm ( Memento from June 3, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
  28. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/100-Airforce/Kommandanten.htm ( Memento from January 5, 2016 in the Internet Archive )
  29. ↑ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/11-RTAF/100-Airforce/Kommandanten.htm ( Memento from January 5, 2016 in the Internet Archive )