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Prize other equipment. The Integrated System will support the RTAF’s [ AIR SYSTEMS ]
41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base, with the
aircraft to be used for operations that include border security,
anti-smuggling, counter-narcotics and anti-human trafficking.
Catch Purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and countering
violent extremist organizations (C-VEO) missions, the Beechcraft
AT-6 Wolverine capitalizes on the proven heritage of the T-6 Texan
II and delivers 4th generation capabilities at 2nd generation acqui-
sition, operating and sustainment costs. The U.S. Air Force is the
first U.S. operator of the aircraft; the service took delivery of its
THE ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE first AT-6 Wolverine in December last year.
Added Teeth
(RTAF) HAS BECOME THE FIRST The aircraft is an upgraded version of the T-6 and featuring a
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER OF datalink and integrated electro-optical sensors which are absent
THE BEECHCRAFT AT-6 LIGHT on the T-6. The aircraft’s engine has also been improved to deliver
1,600 shp (1193 kW) of power compared to T-6’s 1,100 shp (820
ATTACK AIRCRAFT kW) engine. The AT-6 has a maximum speed of about 585 km/h,
a maximum endurance of 4.5 hours with internal fuel, and a ferry
Arun Sivasankaran range of about 3,195 km with four external tanks. Designed with
seven hardpoints, six of them under the wings, the AT-6 Wolverine
can carry 1,864 kg of external loads including assorted weapons
The international launch customer of Textron such as AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, precision-guided and unguided
Aviation’s Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine aircraft bombs, rockets, and gun pods.
is from Southeast Asia.
“THE RTAF IS A KEY U.S. SECURITY ALLY AND
Textron Aviation Defense will supply eight air- OPERATOR OF ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED AIR
craft of the type to the Royal Thai Air Force FORCES IN ASIA PACIFIC,” Thomas Hammoor, President
(RTAF) as part of a US$143 million contract and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Aviation Defence.
signed during the recently concluded Dubai
Airshow. The deal will also include ground “ ITS EXTENSIVE MARKET RESEARCH AND
support equipment, spare parts, training and STRINGENT PROCUREMENT PROCESS SOUGHT
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY November / December 2021 | 33