AV-8S Matador
Thailand's AV-8S Matador (Harrier) jet fighters were withdrawn from service in 2006 due to a lack of spares, leaving Bangkok with an aircraft carrier without aircraft. Spain sold seven single-seat and two twin-seat Harriers to Thailand in 1998. These would includeex-Spanish Matador AV-8Ss. The Chakrinaruebet's 174.6m x 27.5m flight deck terminates in a 12 degree ski-jump, the hanger provides space for Harrier-sized aircraft. The Thai government supplemented the helicopter air group with up to ten short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft.
The Spanish AV-8S Matadors of 8 Escuadrilla soldiered on well into the mid-1990s, when they were replaced by a further delivery of EAV-8B+ aircraft. Upon retirement, the surviving nine aircraft passed to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for US$90 million, who were newcomers to both carrier aviation and the Harrier. The RTN ordered an aircraft carrier from the Spanish shipbuilder Bázan in 1992 with the selected design being based on the Principe de Asturias, albeit smaller and simpler. The resulting vessel was named HTMS Chakri Naruebet and was launched in 1996 and commissioned in 1997. The Harrier fleet, consisting of seven AV-8Ss and two TAV-8Ss was delivered to Thailand along with the carrier.
Due to the costs of operational deployment the carrier was rarely at sea and its Harrier jump-jets were almost all non-operational because of a shortage of spare parts (specifically engines). Thailand's AV-8S Matador (Harrier) accompanying jet fleet was withdrawn from service in 2006, leaving Bangkok with an aircraft carrier without aircraft.
Fighter jet attack Harriers AV-8S served in the Royal Thai Navy during 1997 - 2013. Aboard the HTMS Chakri Naruebet at that time, it is considered a fairly modern aircraft. It can be equipped with an AIM-9 air-to-air missile, but with budget problems. The Cabinet approved as proposed as follows: The Navy shall process the provision of the aircraft to take off and 10 AV-8S, with support from the Spanish government the sum of $113,000,000 in the 1995-1998 budget. with the commander of the Navy or the representative. Acting as a government representative to sign the accord. the agreement to supply such aircraft, which are subsequently used aircraft.
HTMS Chakri Naruebet Is a type of ship Helicopter carrier With a displacement of approximately 11,200 tons, which the Navy procured to strengthen the naval combat power. According to the Thai military structure plan, the Cabinet passed a resolution on March 17, 1992 to approve the Navy to procure a helicopter carrier. In the form of government to governmentagreement, from Basan, Spain in the amount of 7, 100 million baht. The Navy signed a contract to build the ship on March 27, 1992 and completed its service on 20 March 1997. The special feature of this ship has a flight deck capable of receiving-sending and landing medium sized helicopters. It can accompany up to 14 aircraft and support the landing of vertical take-off aircraft [it can carry 12 VSTOL aircraft]. The ship includes communication equipment and facilities. This is the main force in supporting the mission of the Navy to maintain sea transport routes in and out of Thailand. It can also be used to help people and alleviate disasters in the sea and coastal areas.
The AV-8S is a vertical take-off aircraft that the Navy had considered procuring from the Spanish Navy. And received into service in the number of 9 machines in the year 1997 with the following mission capabilities:
- Intercept flights
- Flight attack operations on land targets
- Fleet attack operations
- Combat reconnaissance flight operations
- Close-up of aerial support flight operations
- reconnaissance flight, aerial photography
The Royal Thai Navy moved the AV-8S Harriers No. 3108 fighter jet, the former servant of the 1st Squadron of Royal Navy Chakri Naruebet. Moved by a large trailer along Highway No. 3 to install the show at the entrance of the Naval Combat Command Division. Of the Royal Thai Navy Naval Battle of Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. Royal Navy Considered as a base for the naval forces of the Royal Thai Navy Bringing fighter fighter to attack Harriers AV-8S on display at the show. To achieve dignity It shows the power of the unit, as well as reminiscent of the heroic deeds of this fighter aircraft. Stationed on HTMS Chakri Naruebet Has served in the defense of naval and air threats to maintain national sovereignty since 1997.
By 2003 Thailand operated nine ex-Spanish navy AV-8Ss. Their replacement will partly be driven by the costs of a major mid-life overhaul needed later this decade to keep the aircraft operational The Thai navy was considering acquiring ex-UK Royal Navy BAE Systems Sea Harrier FA2s, which are being retired, to replace McDonnell Douglas AV-8S Harriers. Thailand buys. It would like at least nine Sea Harriers, but could take fewer if that provides the same capability as the AV-8S fleet.
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