The Royal Thai Air Force will use the Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) AT-6THs to conduct a broad array of missions in support of border security. (Beechcraft)
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) acquired its first two Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) AT-6TH Wolverine light-attack aircraft on 16 July, according to the air force.
The acquisition is part of a USD143 million contract for eight aircraft to replace Aero Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros aircraft previously in service with the RTAF's 411 Squadron. The L-39ZA/ARTs were decommissioned in March 2021. The RTAF's Wing 41 took delivery of the two AT-6THs at Chiang Mai International Airport, the air force said in a statement.
According to the RTAF, the AT-6THs will be used to conduct border security missions. These include providing close air support to ground forces, searching for “illegal entry into the country and drug transport along the border”, disaster relief, and forest fire suppression, the air force said. The service added that the AT-6THs will conduct operations in co-operation with security agencies.
The RTAF said on 16 July that the AT-6TH is powered by a 1,600 hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68D turboprop engine, giving the AT-6TH a maximum speed of 316 kt. The service added that the AT-6TH has systems and avionics supporting night operations, and the aircraft can operate at a maximum altitude of 31,000 ft. The AT-6TH also has a ferry range of 1,725 n miles and a payload carrying capacity of 1,864 kg, according to the RTAF.
The RTAF added in a statement that the Wolverines are also equipped with real-time video transmission capabilities and a tactical datalink system. Textron's specifications for the
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