Thai navy Consider ex-RN Sea Harriers

duotiga83 SG

to replace AV-8s
meanwhile, aircraft carrier is to be upgraded to bring up its orignal specification.

The Thai navy is considering acquiring ex-UK Royal Navy BAE Systems Sea Harrier FA2s, which is being reitred, to replaced Mcdonnell Douglas AV-8S Harriers. The Thai navy also expects to upgrade its aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Natrubet.

"In longer term we are looking for aircraft to replace these Harriers," says Rear Admiral Yuttana Phagpolingam, director general of naval operator.

Following initial talks with the UK Ministry of Defence, the Thai navy is awaiting details on the aircraft's condition and availability, prior to any negotiations.

Thailand oerates nine ex-Spanish navy AV-8S. Their replacement will partly be driven by the cost of a major-life overhaul needed later this decade to keep the aircraft operational, says Yuttana.

A tight defence budget for the forseeable future and the capabilitit of the replacement aircraft will determine how many Thailand buys. It would like at least nine Sea Harriers, but it could take fewer if that provides the same capability as the AV-8S fleet, says yuttana.

BAE's economic offset programme for thailand, essentialy a barter trade deal, could help the Thai navy strengthen its Harrier squadron. The Thai military is in negotiations with BAE, which could lead to a long-term programme if a pilot project is successfull.

Meanwhile, the Thai navy is preparing to bring Chakri Narubet up to oringinal desogn specification subject to funding being granted in the fiscal year beginning in October. It is looking for a meduim range radar to gap the short and long-range systems already fitted. Other improvements include additional landing aids. Asia's economic crisis in the late 1990s forced Thailand to scale back the carrier requirements.

Two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters are also planned for deployment on two offshore patrol vessels under construction in Shanghai. The navy is also devloping a requirement for an additional maritime patrol aircraft to supplement its three Fokker F27 MK200s and six Dornier 228s

Flight International 15-21 April 2003

duotiga83 SG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2003

Royal Thai Air Force Receives Final Delivery Of Lockheed Martin F-16s
Fort Worth, Texas Thailands Korat Air Base received the final three of 16 refurbished Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-16s on July 11 as part of the countrys ongoing efforts to modernize its air force. The delivery completes the third F-16 squadron for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The U.S. Air Force refurbished and delivered the aircraft. Lockheed Martin provided the upgrade kits for refurbishment and will provide logistics support and maintenance training. Six F-16s were delivered in August, four more in October and the remainder on July 11.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Vantana, commander-in-chief of the RTAF, accepted the aircraft and expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Air Force and F-16 industrial team, led by Lockheed Martin, for the professional completion of the Peace Naresuan IV program.

These Fighting Falcons are an anticipated addition as we continue to modernize our air force, Kongsak said.

John Bean, Lockheed Martins vice president for F-16 programs, said he is proud that the company could provide the high-technology aircraft that would fit the RTAFs needs.

Thailand has received 36 new F-16A/Bs in three previous buys delivered between 1988 and 1996. Thailands F-16s, which have been operating for 15 years, have more than 60,000 flight hours.

The aircraft in the current order came from USAF storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center in Tucson, Ariz. The planes were transferred to Ogden Air Logistics Center for incorporation of the Falcon Up structural upgrade and other modifications. The engines were upgraded to the F100-PW-220E configuration by the Pratt & Whitney San Antonio Engine Center and will match the other RTAF F-16 engines.

This group of aircraft consists of 15 F-16A single-seat models and one F-16B two-seat model. The last six aircraft supported training in the United States before being sent to Asia.

Thailand is one of six countries that have acquired more than 150 F-16A/Bs from USAF storage. This month, the Italian Air Force received the same version selected by Thailand.

The F-16 is the choice of 24 countries. More than 4,000 aircraft have been delivered, hundreds more are on order, and production is expected to continue beyond 2010. Major upgrades for all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircrafts long service life.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.

http://www.lmtas.com/news/programnews/combat_air/f16/f16_03/f16pr030716.html