Page 8 - DEFENSE & SECURITY 2022 - Day 1 | DAILY NEWS

RTAF PREPARES FOR features the combat-proven A-10C,
F-16 and MC-12 mission systems. The
aircraft has also demonstrated light
BEECHCRAFT AT-6TH attack capabilities and full com-
patibility with U.S. and NATO Joint
ARRIVAL Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)
systems. The Beechcraft AT-6 also
TH
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) which purpose-built for light attack, capitalizes on the proven supply
is the international launch customer counter-insurgency and Countering chain and affordability of 85 per-
for Textron Aviation Defence’s Violent Extremist Organizations cent parts commonality with the
Beechcraft AT-6TH is preparing (C-VEO) mission capability featuring Beechcraft T-6 Texan II.
for the entry of service of the new low risk, high performance and low
aircraft in 2024. The RTAF will com- cost. It can undertake a broad array The Beechcraft AT-6TH is the second
mence training of the new aircraft’s of missions in support of its border RTAF procurement contracted in
maintenance crew in Thailand from security and its anti-smuggling, support of S-Curve 11, which is an
2023 with the assistance of Textron counter-narcotics and anti-human initiative of the Thai Government
Aviation Defence. RTAF pilots are trafficking operations. aimed at pioneering development
slated to commence training on the of the Thai domestic defence indus-
new type in Wichita in 2024. In July, Textron Aviation Defence try, cultivate diversity and support
today announced that the United involvement across foreign and
The RTAF entered into a US$143 States Air Force (USAF) had accorded Thai companies. The RTAF inked a
million contract with Textron military type certification (MTC) for contract for supply of 12 Beechcraft
Aviation Defence in November the AT-6E Wolverine paving the way T-6TH Texan II turboprop trainer air-
2021 for eight Beechcraft AT-6 for continued global sales of the light craft in 2020.
Wolverine aircraft (designated as attack aircraft.
the Beechcraft AT-6TH in Thailand),
ground support equipment, spare The USAF was the launch customer
parts, training and other equip- for the AT-6, awarding a contract in
ment. The aircraft will be inducted 2020 for two AT-6E Wolverines. The
to support the RTAF’s 41st Wing light aircraft empowers operators with
attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Next Gen ISR, the industry’s best
Base. The turboprop light attack loitering precision strike capability,
aircraft will replace the RTAF’s exist- the ability to maintain pressure on
ing fleet of ageing Czech built Aero targets, and reliable networked bat-
Vodochody L-39 Albatros jet trainers tlespace communications and video.
and light attack aircraft. The AT-6 Wolverine employs an
The Beechcraft AT-6TH was unmatched range of weapons and
8 AUGUST 29 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS