Armée Thailandaise/Royal Thai Armed Forces

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Thai Navy to Swop German Submarines for Korean



The Royal Thai Navy is considering purchasing two South Korean submarines instead of six second-hand German submarines, Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has said.
The defence minister's proposal for two new Hyundai-built Type U-209 Class diesel-electric submarines could cost over THB40bn ($1.32bn) and will require a tied-over budget spanning years.
The navy has agreed to the proposal as long as the new South Korean submarines were based on German technology, a navy source said.
"But if that costs more than 40bn-50bn baht, the government may not approve it and the Navy will end up without any submarines," the source added.
The Korean Type U-209 Class submarine has a displacement capacity of 1,200t and can accommodate a crew of 30, according to the Bangkok Post.
The 7.7bn-baht ($255m) German submarines have a usable life of only six or seven years compared with the new submarines.

naval-technology

650M$ unité pour le 209

Les exportations militaires ukrainnes sont au hausse ces derniers temps on dirais ... les BTR4 pour l'Irak, et voilà une nouvelle livraison des BTR-3E1 pour le Thailande

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Thaïlande : Un pas de plus vers l'achat d'anciens sous-marins allemands

Le sous-marin U17, mis en service en 1973 crédits : BUNDESWEHR

28/04/2011

Lundi, en Thaïlande, le conseil de défense a approuvé l'achat auprès de l'Allemagne de six sous-marins d'occasion. Ces bâtiments, du type 206A, répondent aux besoins du pays en matière d'opérations côtières et présentent l'énorme avantage de pouvoir être acquis rapidement et à moindre coût. D'après les militaires thaïlandais, l'acquisition des anciens sous-marins allemands ne reviendrait qu'à 175 millions d'euros, contre plus de 900 millions d'euros pour le projet d'acquisition auprès de la Corée du sud deux bâtiments neufs. Le conseil de défense a indiqué qu'il allait transmettre le projet d'achat des sous-marins allemands au gouvernement. Si ce dernier donne son feu vert, les bâtiments pourraient être livrés d'ici septembre 2013.
Pour mémoire, la marine allemande avait annoncé, le 1er juin 2010, sa décision de désarmer ses six derniers sous-marins du type 206A. Mis en service en 1974 et 1975, les U 15, U 16, U 17, U 18, U 23 et U 24 étaient les derniers survivants d'une série de 18 bâtiments construits par les chantiers HDW de Kiel entre 1969 (mise sur cale du premier) et 1975 (livraison du dernier). Longs de 48.6 mètres pour un déplacement de 520 tonnes en plongée, les sous-marins du type 206 A étaient armés par un équipage de 22 hommes et disposaient de 8 tubes lance-torpilles de 533mm. Initialement, la Bundeswehr comptait désarmer les 6 derniers bâtiments entre 2011 et 2015. Il a, toutefois, été décidé de les retirer prématurément du service afin de réaliser des économies.

M&M

connaissant la facon dont ils maintiennent leur materiel,ca doit etre une tres bonne affaire.

Ces sous-marins sont obselètent aujourd'hui techno dépassé ( 40 ans )
Une marine moderne n'aura pas de mal à les trouver, l'avantage c'est qu'ils vont pouvoir formé une force sous-marine pour pas cher.

A ces allemands même dans le bisness ils sont forts ...

en defense cotiere pas la peine d´hyper silencieux,c´est l´attaquant qui doit pas tomber dans les filets

Citation :

répondent aux besoins du pays en matière d'opérations côtières

Tout dépend de qui tu as en face.
Depuis que la Chine commence à montrer ses muscles, c'est la panique en Asie du sud-est.
Vietnam, Malaysie, indonésie, singapour et l'Inde biensur...sa commande des SM à tout va

Citation :

RTN's MM38 surface to surface missiles (all photos : Royal Thai Navy & Sukason Hiranphan-TAF)

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Thailand takes delivery of Airbus Military C212-400


May 11, 2011 by Marcel van Leeuwen · Comments Off

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC) of Thailand has taken delivery of the first of two C212-400 it has ordered from Airbus Military.
The MoAC will receive the second aircraft by the turn of the 2011/2012. They are joining a fleet of 11 C212s the MoAC is already operating.
Fitted with a specific kit, the main role of these aircraft is “rain-making” through cloud-seeding in the largely drought-affected country, as well as boosting water volume in dams. The C212 can also transport personnel, as well as bulky items thanks to the rear ramp. It has a 22 m3 cabin volume and is able to carry up to 2.8 tonnes of cargo.
This more modern C212-400 version incorporates additional equipment such as a Flight Management System (FMS).
“Airbus Military is very proud to contribute to this Rain Making programme initiated by the King of Thailand”, says Head of Light & Medium Programmes, Rafael Tentor.
In addition to the C212, the MoAC also operates two CN235. Furthermore, the Royal Thai Army operates two C212. The Royal Thai Police also operates a CN235. Including this latest delivery, Thailand now has a fleet of 17 Airbus Military Light and Medium Family aircraft.
Before landing in Bangkok, the aircraft and its crew completed an eight day ferry from Seville with different stops in Italy, Greece, Jordania, Qatar, and India. The delivery, held at Nakhon Sawan Airport, was presided by Mr. Kiattisak Thangtrongsakol, Director of the Aviation Section from the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agriculture Aviation, MoAC, and was attended by Airbus Military’s Customer Support Director in the area, Arturo Ballesteros.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 477 C212 to 92 different operators.
The image enclosed shows the C212-400 received by the MoAC of Thailand.
Airbus Military press release

Citation :

Press Releases


Sikorsky Aircraft Delivers Three VVIP S-92® Helicopters to Royal Thai Air Force
First to include LifePort high-end medical kit in a VIP S-92 aircraft

STRATFORD, Connecticut - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has delivered three VVIP S-92^® helicopters to the Royal Thai Air Force, introducing the first high-end LifePort medical system into an S-92 aircraft. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Sikorsky helicopters have been in use by Thailand military forces since 1996 including those being flown by the Royal Thai Navy, which flies SEAHAWK^® helicopters and S-76^® helicopters. In addition, the Royal Thai Army flies UH-60L BLACK HAWK helicopters. The latest delivery of S-92 helicopters marks the first Sikorsky products for the Royal Thai Air Force.
The S-92 aircraft are high-level VVIP aircraft, with the noteworthy distinction of having the first installation of a high-end LifePort medical system in an S-92 helicopter. The helicopters were delivered in April and have begun extensive training at Lop Buri Air Base which will last for approximately six months.
“These aircraft will be used for the Head of State mission. The customer specifically required an S-92 helicopter, recognizing the safety and reliability of this aircraft and its track record of serving many other Heads of State,” said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.
A total of 15 S-92 helicopters are serving in the Head of State mission around the world including the countries of Turkmenistan, Turkey, Bahrain and Kuwait.
“The Royal Thai Air Force was impressed with the high quality workmanship and attention to detail performed by Sikorsky in meeting its specifications for Head of State aircraft,” said Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong, commander in chief of the Royal Thai Air Force. “They fulfilled every contractual obligation on time or ahead of schedule, ultimately ensuring a very satisfactory experience for us, and delivering the safest, most durable helicopters available to enhance our fleet.”
Sikorsky acquired LifePort, Inc. in July 2010, adding the mission equipment manufacturer to its Sikorsky Aerospace Services accessories business segment. LifePort specializes in air medical systems, lightweight armor, interior furnishings and Enflite^TM galley equipment for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Sikorsky has delivered 136 S-92 helicopters since September 2004 to commercial customers in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue, VIP transport and utility sectors. During that time, the worldwide S-92 aircraft fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 flight hours, a record for a commercial fleet of Sikorsky helicopters in a similar timeframe.
The S-92 was certified to FAA/EASA harmonized Part 29 requirements, as amended through Amendment 47. The S-92 remains the only aircraft to have been certified to this rigorous airworthiness standard without exception or waiver.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

www.sikorsky.com

Citation :

SAAB RECEIVES ORDER FROM THAILAND REGARDING UPGRADING OF COMBAT MANAGEMENT AND FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM


June 3, 2011 by Rob Vogelaar · Comments Off


3 June 2011
The defence and security company Saab has received two orders from the Royal Thai Navy for the upgrading of combat management and fire control systems on two frigates of the Naresuan class. The total contract amount is MSEK 454.
The contracts involve upgrading the frigates with the latest generation of combat management and fire control systems, 9LV Mk4 and CEROS 200. Saab will also supply data-link equipment to the ships, which will allow communication between the frigates and Thailand’s existing Gripen aircraft and Saab 340s, the latter fitted with the ERIEYE airborne radar system.
“Saab will supply an advanced combat management and fire control system which allows interoperability between naval and airborne units, providing more effective use of resources and capabilities,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Security and Defence Solutions.
Saab is the main contractor to the Royal Thai Navy, and as well as supply of its own systems, its tasks will include procurement of third-party systems and responsibility for integration of all existing and new systems.
“This is Saab’s first major agreement with the Royal Thai Navy and the business strengthens our position in Thailand, which is an important market for Saab,” says Gunilla Fransson.
The contracts mainly concern the Security and Defence Solutions business area as the supplier of the combat management and fire control systems and the Tacticall communication systems. The Electronic Defence Systems business area will supply the Sea Giraffe AMB surveillance radar system as well as data-link equipment for communication with Gripen and the ERIEYE Airborne Early Warning systems.
The contract will run between 2011 and 2014.

aviationnews

Citation :

Navy unveils 4th boat designed by the King



The Royal Thai Navy has successfully built a new offshore patrol boat, the fourth such vessel from a design by His Majesty the King.
The newly built Tor 994 is one of three offshore patrol vessels the navy decided two years ago to build to replace its old patrol vessels.
The latest vessel is expected to be launched on July 11 in a ceremony to be presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Two more vessels, the Tor 995 and Tor 996, are being built by a company subcontracted by the navy. Construction of the boats is expected to be completed by August and the vessels are to be launched by September.
Rear Admiral Chatchai Thattawon, director of the Thonburi Naval Dockyard, said the Tor 994's displacement tonnage is 215 tonnes compared to the 205 tonnes of the old model, Tor 991.
The new vessel is 41.45m long and its width is 7.2m, he said.
"The King has become a great inspiration to the Royal Thai Navy in building its own boats with a limited budget," said Rear Adm Chatchai.
The total cost of building the three boats is 1.57 billion baht.
The first boat the navy built from a design of the King was finished in 1968.

bangkokpost

La Marine Thaïlandaise

Bien qu'elle a une histoire navale pas si glorieuse, notamment la fameuse bataille de Koh chang en Janvier 1941, ou elle a perdu la totalité de ses navires modernes devant les français, la Marine Thailandaise mérite que l'on s'y interesse car elle est la seule marine d'Asie du Sud Est à posséder un porte-aéronefs et le deuxième d'Asie avec l'Inde. Elle a en effet acquis au début des années 90, un porte-aéronefs dérivé du Principe de Asturias, le HTMS Chakri Naruebet ( 911 ). L'idée d'achat d'un navire du genre, et je pense que c'est parmi les raisons de l'échec qui viendra après, est née après le Typhon Gay qui a frappé le Thailande en 89, et qui a prouvé la nécéssité d'utiliser des unités flottantes pour la mise en oeuvre des hélicos de secours, après les innondiations qui ont rendu la mission impossible à partir de la terre. Un Appel d'offre a été lancé, et c'est l'Espagne avec sa version réduite et plus moderne au niveau design du Principe de Asturias qui a pu le décrocher en mars 92. Le Chakri Naruebet ( qui veut dire le roi de la dynastie Chakri, au pouvoir depuis 1872 ) est entrée en service en 1997. Il est un frère jumeau du Principe de Asturias avec un ilot plus long que haut à tribord et un pont d'envol entièrement dégagé et terminé par un ski-jump avec un angle de sortie de 12°
Le Chakri n'est pas très utilisé par la marine thailandaise, il assure une disponibilité de 2j par semaine à peine, et n'a pas participer au mission de l'ONU au Timor, bien que les possibilités de son utilisation ne manque pas, surtout la surveillance du ZEE et des zones de pêche, le thailande posséde le 3° plus grande flotte de péche dans le monde. Aujourd'hui, il sert surtout plus pour attraction des touristes et palais flottant du Roi ( il dipose d'un appartement royal ) qu'autres choses !
Malheureusement, la Marine thailandaise a vu trop grand et ne possède pas les compétences et les fonds nécessaires au maintien opérationel, et la plus grande faute, c'est qu'elle n'a pas définie une doctrine d'emplois !
Depuis 2007, le 911 ne sert que de PH, les Matador obsolète sont officialement HS, après plus de 2ans cloués au sol ! et désormais, il portait bien sa dénomination OPHV ( Offshore Patrol Helicopter Vessel ) !
Le PH embarque en effet 6 SH S-70B7 et 2 MH60S, bien qu'il peut embarquer un 20aine d'hélicos.

Spoiler:

Le GAN thailandais, ne dispose pas actullement de SM. Comme il a été déjà signalé, la RTN affiche un désir d'avoir 2 unités U206 pour former le noyau d'un futur escadre sous-marin.
La flotte de de batiments de combat de la RTN, est composée de 9 frégates, 7 corvettes et plusieurs PLM d'orgines différentes, chinoises, américaines, britanniques, singapouriennes et même locale. Plusieurs unités sont très vielle, ce qui rend couteux leur MCO.
Parmi les unités les plus anciennes, on trouve la frépgate HTMS Makut Rajakumarn ( 433 ) construite en UK et qui est utilisée aujourd'hui pour la formation et l'entrainement, son design est basé sur celui de la frégate malysienne Rahamat. 2000T de déplacement et 97.5 de long, plusieurs armes emarquées ont été retirées notamment les missiles Sea Cat, et les mortier ASM.

Spoiler:

La RTN posséde aussi 2 frégates Knox ( 461 et 462 ) acquises en 1998 et 1999 après une modernisation dans des chantiers US. Des unités si vielle comme les Knox doivent peser trop lourd sur le budget de la marine thailandaise. Ils ont concervé leur armement de base : 4 Harpoon, 8 ASROC, 4 Lanceurs Sparrow ...

Spoiler:

La RTN met en oeuvre 4 frégates T053 ( 2000T pc, 103m de long ), dont 2 ( 455 et 456 ) dérivées du Jianghu III ( T053T ) et 2 ( 457 et 458 ) avec plateform hélico ( T053HT ). Ils sont parmi les plus récentes frégate de cette classe née en 1974 et qui a connu plusieurs évolutions ! les 4 unités ont été acquises entre 1991 et 1992. Elles sont équipées d'un bi-100 mm et de 8 C802 qui ont remplacé les 801 depuis 2007 dans le cadre d'un programme de modernisation, qui a connu l'installation des tupes Mk32 Mod 5 pour les Mk46, des LY-60 pour AA et des nouveaux Radars et électroniques.

Spoiler:

En 1995, 2 autres T053 ont été aquises ( connues comme T025T ), cette fois, une version doté d'un Hangar pour hélicos en plus de la plateforme, Elles font 3000T pc et 120m. La satisfaction qu'a donné les 4 premiers T053, ainsi que le bon prix, ont été à l'origine de ce choix. Cependant ces 2 frégates embarquent plutôt un armement US, notamment 8 Harpoon, 8MK41 VLS AA, un 127mm etc, et un système de combat européen, autour d'un LW08 de thalès. Ces frégate seront upgardées par Saab, l'annonce du contrat est faite début de ce mois, et ca porte sur l'installation d'un CMS de Saab 9LV Mk4, Radar Giraffe suédois, et d'autres systèmes, notamment un datalink compatible avec le système de communication des nouveaux Erieye thailandais

Spoiler:

La flotte des corvettes se compose de 9 unités dont 4 dont d'origine américaine, les 5 autres sont de conception thailandaise, dont 2 ont été construites dans des chantiers chinois.
On trouve notamment 2 unités de la classe Ratanakosin ( 441 et 442 ), construites aux USA entre 84 et 86. 1000t pc, 77m de long, Elles sont armées d'un 76mm OM, 8 Harpoon et un lanceurs quaduple Albatros.

Spoiler:

pour les patrouilles en haut mer, la marine thaïlandanise dispose de 4 corvettes, 2 sont d'origines américaines; Il s'agit des Tapi ( 431 ) et Khirirat ( 432 ) de la même classe que les Bayandor iraniennes, Elles sont livrées au début des années 70, d'un déplacement de 1170t pc et 84m de long, ces corvettes peuvent faire aussi de l'ASM. A coté des 6 TLT on trouve également un 76mm, un 40mm et plusieurs unités d'artilleries légères. Elles ont reçus une modernisation en 2006.

Spoiler:

Les 2 autres, sont 2 corvettes de la classe Pattani, de conception thailandaise. Elles sont construites en Chine. Elles font 1400T pc de déplacement et 95m de longueur, armées d'un 76mm OM et un bi-40mm, ces corvettes embarquent le CMS allemand COSYS Mk1, et le Radar de surveillance italien RAN-30X/I. Cette classe dipose d'une plateforme et hangar accueillant un beau Super Lynx 300.
Le Pattani ( 511 ) a été livré en 2005, en 2006 le Naratiwat ( 512 ) a suit.

Spoiler:

On trouve également 3 corvettes de la classe Kamronsin ( 531, 532, 533 ), de constructio thailandaise, entrées en service en 1992. Elles affichent un déplacement de 630, Elles sont dédiés aux missions ASM au niveau cotier, avec 6 TLT pour les torpilles Stringray, et capacités de larguer des mines. L'Artillerie de base est un OM 76mm.

Spoiler:

La RTN dispose d'une flotte repspectable des PLM, composées de 6 unités, notamment 3 unités italiennes de classe Rajcharit, équipées de 4 MM38, un 76mm, un 40mm et 2 12.7mm. On les voit dans les photos de Maatawi plus haut.
Les 3 autres unités, sont des unités de la même classe classe que les Seawolf singaporiennes, équipées des missiles Gabriel hors service aujourd'hui. Ces 6 unités dates de des années 70

Spoiler:

La flotte des patrouilleurs de la RTN, se compose de 18 unités, dont 15 sont de construction locale ! les 3 autres sont des unités italiennes équipé de 2 OM 76mm et un Bi40mm

Spoiler:

Les unités d'origines Thailandaises, se divisent en 3 classes : Hua Hin ( 3 unités : 541, 542 et 543 ), Sattaship ( 6unités :521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526 ) et la plus récentes c'est la classe Tor991 ( 6 unités : les 3 premières 991, 992 et 994, font 205t pc, alors que les 994, 995 et 996 215t pc ces 3 sont en encore en cours de construction )
La RTN se prépare pour la production d'une nouvelle classe d'OPV d'ici quelques mois.
à coté de ceci, la RTN a presque 80 vedettes de patrouille tout au long du Mekong.
La RTN dispose aussi d'une dizaine d'unités CM, de classe Lat Ya

Spoiler:

La RTN dispose d'une véritable force amphibie comparé à d'autres pays du même niveau, plusieurs unités de débarquement, qui devront être renforcées par un LPD dérivé des Endurances singapouriens d'ici 2012.
Les forces de Marines, diposent de différents équipement lourds, notamment les char Type 69II, des Cadillac V150, des AAV7, plusieurs type des HUMMVEE, et récemment une douzaine BTR3.
La flotte amphibie dispose de 2 LSTde la classe Sichang, les 2 navires sont un peu différents, le premier ( 721 ) affiche un déplacement de 4200t pc et 103m de longueur, contre 4500t pc et 109m pour le 722. Ils sont capable de transporter 14 chars et 348 H ou l'équivalent 850t.
La flotte des LCU dispose quand à elle de 7 unités, 4 de classe Thong Kaeo ( 771, 772, 773, 774 ), de 400t et qui peuvent transporter 2 MBT ou l'équivalent de 150t cargo. Les 3 autres de la classe Man Nok ( 780, 781, 782 ), qui datent de 2002, affichent un déplacement de 550t, et qui peuvent transporter les mêmes quantités que les Thong Kaeo.

Spoiler:

la flotte de support logistique se compose d'une 15aines d'unités, notamment plusieurs micro-ravitailleurs, et un lourd ravitailleur de 22000T pc, qui peut transporter 7900t du Gazole, 2500t de Kéroséne , 250t d'eau douce, 70t lubrication oil, 680t de vivre, Le HTMS Similan porte le n° 871. équipé d'un S70, le 871 est entrée en service en 1997, c'est une version réduite de classe Fusu, et à l'origine de la nouvelle classe Fuchi chinoises. Le problème avec ce navire, c'est qu'il n'a pas été équipé pour le transport de Munitions, avantage qu'avait le Durance, qui était en compétition à coté des italiens en 93, lors de l'appel d'offre lancé pour cet achat.

Spoiler:

L'Aviation navale, constitue une branche importante de la RTN, on trouve plus d'avions/hélicos que d'unités flottantes. plusieurs unités sont trop vielle, comme les 6 Fokker 27 équipés de Harpoon. La RTN dipose notamment de 2 UP3T Orion pour l'ASM, et un VP3T VIP, ces unités ont été modernisées en 2007/2008, le VP3 peut maintenant faire des missions de surveillance. Récemment 7 Do228 ont été acquis pour la surveillance martime, également 2 ERJ135 d'Embraer ont été acquis comme Avion VIP avec capaicité MEDEVAC.
à coté de ces avions, ont trouve une 40aine hélicoptères en service, notamment une dizaine des SH60, dont plusieurs unités embarquées sur le Chakri Naruebet avec capacité ASM/AS et qui devront être renforcées d'ici peu par une dizaines d'autres unités de la même famille plus sophistiquées. Pour les missions SAR, la RTN dipose de 6 S76 Sikorsky qui seront renforcés avec 4/6 MH60, et à coté on trouve 15 Bell 212/214 VIP/Transport. récemment 4 SL300 ont été commandés avec capacités AS, 2 sont déjà en service à bord des 2 Corvette de la classe Pattini.

Fremo

Citation :

Gripen Operational in the Royal Thai Air Force

Royal Thai Air Force Gripen fighter aircraft. (Photo: Saab)

During a ceremony on July 8, 2011 the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) officially declared its new air defence system consisting of the Gripen fighter and Saab 340 Erieye AEW operational. The ceremony took place at the Wing 7 base in Surat Thani.

The new era for the RTAF began in 2008, when an agreement was signed between FMV, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration and the RTAF, for the delivery of six Gripen C/D multi-role fighter aircraft to replace its outgoing F-5 aircraft. The order also included one Saab 340 Erieye AEW, a single Saab 340 for transport purposes and a ground based Command- and Control system. A further batch of six Gripen C fighters and another Saab 340 Erieye AEW was ordered in 2010. Deliveries of the second RTAF order will be completed in 2013.

The training of Thai personnel began in 2009. Four pilots and 20 technicians were trained by the Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF). In 2010 they were back in their home country and were ready to receive the delivery of the first batch of aircraft. The first Saab 340 Erieye AEW and the Saab 340 transport aircraft arrived in December 2010, and the first batch of six Gripen fighters was flown from Sweden to Thailand in February 2011.

Since the deliveries of the first batch of aircraft, a second batch of Thai Gripen pilots and technicians has graduated from their training in Sweden.

Ten technicians have been trained in Sweden for a year and graduated in June 2011. The first part of the course was conducted at the Armed Forces Technical School (Air Force) in Halmstad. There, the basic technical knowledge of aircraft and its various subsystems. The second part of the training was carried out at F 7 Wing at Såtenäs, Sweden. Then it was all about hands-on training in how aircraft should be handled in the daily service, with preparation and maintenance work.

The six Thai ex F-16 pilots came to Såtenäs in February 2011 for a four months course on Gripen. The first part of the course is called Conversion Training (CT) and is to learn to fly the Gripen. Training takes place in simulators and in the two-seat Gripen D, before it's time for the student to carry out his first solo flight. The CT is followed by the Combat Readiness Training (CRT). During this phase, the pilots learn how to use the radar and weapons systems.

Present at the Wing 7 base in Surat Thani is also a support group with a number of technicians and pilots from the Swedish AF. Their task is to support the RTAF during the dayily operations while the RTAF is introducing their new air defence system.

defpro

Citation :

Thailand – UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2011 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Tuesday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Thailand for three UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $235 million.

http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Thailand_11-28.pdf

Ça nous fait la bête a 75 M$ pièce tout emballée... Pas donné. Faut dire qu'il est estampillé "tueur de ben laden" maintenant

Pgm

On parle d'une version furtive du blackhawk pour l'opération de OBL.

je pensais que l'hélico était plus abordable quand même, il est fabriqué en grande série.

Citation :

Chopper carrying five troops crashes in jungle


ONE PRESUMED DEAD, FOUR MISSING IN TROUBLED RESCUE MISSION



RATCHABURI : A military officer was thought to be killed and four others remain missing after a military helicopter from Thap Phraya Suea Camp in Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district crashed in Kaeng Krachan National Park.
The helicopter crashed around noon yesterday in the jungle connecting Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces while on a mission to transport officers and civilians trapped in the national park since Monday out to safety.
The military has named five officers whom it said boarded the helicopter. They were Maj Kitisak Chin-iam, the first pilot, Lt Pratya Nualsri, the second pilot, Maj Kitiphum Ekkaphan, a military officer attached to the Thap Phraya Suea Camp, and two mechanics, SM 1 Rangsan Polsaibua and SM1 Narongdet Pongnumkul.
SM3 Ekkarin Ninnet, a military officer who was stationed at a makeshift helipad in the jungle and witnessed the accident, said he saw the helicopter descend amid turbulent weather conditions.
Suddenly the helicopter swerved and crashed into a nearby mountain, he said.
He said he saw the dead body of an unidentified military officer trapped inside the helicopter wreck.
None of those on board the helicopter have yet been found, but the military assumes one has died. Soldiers have been unable to reach the site.
The helicopter started taking 50 military rangers, forestry officers, journalists and six suspected forest encroachers, out of the national park to Rujiphat School in Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district on Friday afternoon.
The mission resumed yesterday to transport the remaining 19 people out of the jungle.
The joint task force and the media crews entered the jungle on Monday to track down forest encroachers. The task force arrested six suspects and seized a 70-rai plot of farmland, a number of cottages and paddy stocks.
However, poor weather had made it impossible for a helicopter to land in the jungle to take them out until Friday.
Col Danai Buntan, deputy chief of the special task force from Thap Phraya Suea Camp, said his task force would team up with Kaeng Krachan National Park forest rangers in the search and rescue operation. The team hopes to reach the crash scene today.

bangkokpost

Citation :

Third crash stuns Army

Third accident in 9 days kills 3, which brings total deaths to 17

A third helicopter crash in just nine days claimed three more lives and injured one soldier in Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan district early yesterday.

The tragedy occurred before the dead from two previous chopper crashes this month were able to reach their final resting place.

It brought the total death toll of virtual back-to-back helicopter tragedies to 17.

Sergeant Pattanaporn Tonjan was the sole survivor from the three inter-linked aviation tragedies, which have stunned the nation.

All helicopters belonged to the Royal Thai Army (RTA).

In the wake of the crashes, RTA Aviation Centre's chief Maj General Pittaya Krajangwong ordered all Bell-212 helicopters grounded for checks. The Army currently has about 20 such helicopters.

"I am so sorry for what happened. Three more lives were lost," he said.

The survivor Pattanaporn, a mechanic on the Bell-212 that went down yesterday, was quoted as saying that the two engines suddenly stopped working at the same time.

"From his report, the helicopter then lost control, hit the ground and exploded," Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

A witness said he saw Pattanaporn and rushed in to pull the injured soldier away from the aircraft that started to catch fire.

"Another soldier was trapped under the wreckage and called for help. Many locals wanted to rescue him but the flame spread too fast," the witness said.

Killed were 1st Pilot Major Thirawat Kaewkamon, 2nd Pilot Lieutenant Burana Wanjai, and mechanic Sgt Major Wichien Janpat.

They and Pattanaporn boarded the aircraft in Bangkok and headed to Phetchaburi to continue the mission to retrieve the bodies of those killed in the Black Hawk crash last Tuesday.

This helicopter with a different crew had successfully lifted the bodies of 9th Infantry Division chief Maj General Tawan Ruangsri and TV cameraman Sornwichai Kongtan-nikul from the dense jungle on Saturday. Tawan and Sornwichai were among nine people killed in the Black Hawk crash, which was blamed on bad weather.

The Black Hawk hit the ground during its mission to airlift the bodies of five victims in the first helicopter crash, which took place during a rescue mission too on July 16.

Yesterday's crash occurred

about 30 kilometres from the first tragedy.

"We never thought that another crash would happen," Prayuth said.

The five bodies of the first helicopter crash have already been returned to their families with proper ceremonies being held.

But nine bodies from the Black Hawk crash were not expected to reach Kanchanaburi until last night. Disaster-victim identification

procedures will then be conducted.

Some 16 of the 17 killed were soldiers.

Investigations will start to officially determine the exact causes of the three crashes. Currently, bad weather is blamed for the first two, while engine failure is blamed for the latest tragedy.

First Army Region chief Lt General Udomdej Seetabut said all the three crashes saddened him. "But at least this time, there's a survivor," he said.

Pattanaporn was being treated at the Phra Mongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok.

His backbone was broken but he was in safe condition. He remained conscious and could talk.

"I believe he will have a full recovery within six months," Colonel Dr Phirapol Polpong said in his capacity as head of the hospital emergency unit.
Pattanaporn's relatives said the survivor had worn many amulets and Buddha images.

nationmultimedia

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Army pushes for new chopper fleet


Military says current aircraft are 30 years old





The army is pushing for the next government to buy more than 30 new helicopters to reinforce its dwindling and obsolete fleet following three horrific crashes this month.

Gen Prayuth: Wants 36 new helicopters


The planned acquisition is part of the army's programme to replace its Bell HU-1 "Huey" helicopters which have been in use for more than three decades.

The move came after three army helicopters crashed on the Thai-Burmese border in Phetchaburi in separate incidents.

One of the choppers, a Huey, went down in rugged mountainous terrain at Kaeng Krachan National Park on July 16. Five soldiers, who were on a mission to support a campaign against forest encroachment, were killed in the crash.

The other two choppers - a Black Hawk and a Bell 212 - went down in ensuing missions to airlift bodies of the killed victims from the forest on July 19 and 24, respectively, bringing the combined casualties in the three accidents to 17 dead and one injured.

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said he will propose the helicopter purchase plan to the new government when it takes office. The army has had a programme to replace the old Huey fleet but the Democrat-led government said it did not have the money to fund the purchase plan, Gen Prayuth said.

"We have travelled on these old helicopters since we were young. They have only been repaired when needed. Our country does not have a big [military] budget," he said.

An army source said the military's buying list under the plan included 36 new Bell 212 helicopters.

The purchase plan will be forwarded for government approval in the next fiscal year, starting on Oct 1.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Army's second tactical aviation unit in Nakhon Ratchasima has conducted a thorough check of its two Bell 212 helicopters which were grounded following the helicopter crash on Sunday.

Maj Chanawat Thongprasan, the first pilot of one of the two Bell helicopters, said the check results showed the helicopters were in good working condition and ready for use.

Flying missions will be suspended until the order to ground the aircraft was lifted, he said.

Second Army commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon said he now travels by car instead of flying even though it takes eight hours to reach Yasothon by road.

In Kanchanaburi, the army yesterday airlifted bodies of the nine Black Hawk crash victims to their home provinces for their families to perform religious ceremonies. A royally sponsored bathing ceremony was held for them on Monday.

Sgt Pattanaporn Tonchan, who was injured in the third helicopter crash and the only survivor from the three accidents, was recovering from back injuries, his doctors said.

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Chote Trachoo said yesterday he had advised about 30 ministry officials who had taken part in the search and recovery operations for the three crashes in the forest to have their blood checked for possible parasitic infections.

Chaiwat Likhit-aksorn, head of the Kaeng Krachan National Park, had tested positive for a parasitic infection, the type of which had not yet been identified, after taking part in the operation, Mr Chote said. He said it was believed that the parasites had penetrated Mr Chaiwat's body through leech bites.

Tuesday, 117 army officers who took part in the search operations for the Huey and Black Hawk helicopter crash victims on the Thai-Burmese border over the past week arrived at Khao Phanoen Thung mountain on foot.

bangkokpost

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Lockheed delivers helicopters to Thailand


The U.S. Navy flew the two MH-60S helicopters from Owego to the Port of Baltimore in Maryland. They will then make the ocean voyage to Thailand.

Lockheed officials say the helicopters will become a part of the Royal Thai Navy's fleet.

The helicopters are designed for utility missions, like logistics and troop transport. Officials say the sale and delivery of these aircrafts is an indicator of the growth the site in Owego has been experiencing.

"This is the first sale of international helicopter at this site. So this is the start of something big. It comes on the heels of the Australian win, so we are very excited about what is going on here in Owego and very happy to see these aircrafts heading off to Thailand," said George Barton, Naval Helicopter Programs Director.

Lockheed says the Royal Thai Navy has expressed interest in purchasing additional MH-60S helicopters in the future.

centralny.ynn.com

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They will then make the ocean voyage to Thailand.

ils ont fait tout le pacifique avec la US Navy ou comment?