Aviation Industry

The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has set up a firm policy to develop Thailand as a regional aviation hub for air transportation and is implementing a number of programs to attract international aviation services. Thailand has 28 local and international airports located throughout the country. In 2000, the size of the airport and ground support equipment (GSE) market was estimated at $30 million. A small contraction occurred in 2001 as a result of the completion of expansion and improvement projects at some provincial airports. The market demand for aircraft and aircraft parts is met entirely by imports. Imports of aircraft and aircraft parts in 1998 accounted for $1,238 million. The actual market demand for aircraft parts alone is estimated at about $300 million to $350 million, with annual growth of five percent.

There is no local production of either aircraft or aircraft spare parts in Thailand. The entire market demand is based on imports. However, there is a U.S.-based Board of Investment (BoI)-promoted company, Chromalloy (Thailand) Limited (previously known as Turbine Support (Thailand) Limited), which provides repair service for aircraft blades & shroud jet engine components. The factory is located in Prathumthani province, some 40 kilometers north of Bangkok.

There are no trade barriers restricting the importation of aircraft and aircraft spare parts into Thailand. The United States is the major supplier of military aircraft to the Royal Thai Armed Forces. These aircraft include tactical fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, heavy transport airplanes, light attack aircraft, search and rescue aircraft, and basic training aircraft. The U.S. is also the primary source for military and non-military helicopters. Around one-fourth of the existing fleet is U.S. inventory delivered to the Royal Thai Armed Forces under the assistance of U.S. Military Aid Program (MAP). Since U.S. aviation technologies are well accepted by local end-users, and the majority of the existing aircraft and helicopters are U.S.-made products, U.S. aircraft and parts manufacturers will control the majority of this industry sector for the forseeable future.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) maintains an aircraft maintenance and repair center at its Aeronautical Engineering Department, which carries out all line maintenance and repair services for its own fleet. However, major aircraft engines overhauls are sent to offshore contractors. The RTAF's actual aircraft repair/maintenance budget in 1999 was Baht 2,975 million (US$74 million). Approximately 60 percent or Baht 1,785 million (US$45 million) of the services were carried out at the Aeronautical Engineering Department while the rest was handled either by Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or offshore repair stations.

From the first organization of the Flying Section to the Army Aviation Division at the time of the Great War, it was clear that the three existing aircraft were insufficient. Daily flights would eventually wear down these aircraft. Maintenance and procurement of spareparts would be all the more difficult to obtain. Thailand, at the time, lacked necessary equipments for the purpose of logistical supports. A self-reliance techniques were employed towards the objctive of building Thailand's own aircraft.

On May 24, 1915, Lieutenant Colonel Phra Chalerm Arkas, Commander of Army Aviation Division, made a test flight of the Army built Breguet biplane. It was built to meticulous scale using local material.
In 1922,Fighter aircraft Type F-2 (Nieuport 15 square meters) was built.
In 1923,Fighter aircraft Type F-3 (Spad type 7) was built.
In 1924, Fighter aircraft Type F-4 (Nieuport Delarge) was built.
In 1927, Bomber aircraft Type B-2 Boripat was designed and built. A number of these aircraft were in production. They were used for distant traveling on diplomatic mission abroad including India.
In 1929, Fighter aircraft Type F-5 (Prachatipok) was designed and built.
In 1936, Attack/Surveilance aircraft Type A-1 (Corsair V-93S) were built altogether 29 aircraft.
In 1937, Attack/Surveillance aircraft Type A-1, second production were built altogether 25 aircraft. Additional Fighter aircraft Type F-10 first production were built altogether 25 aircraft.
In 1939, Fighter aircraft Type F-10 second production were built altogether 25 aircraft.
In 1974, Trainer aircraft Type RTAF 4 (Chandra) were built altogether 12 aircraft.
In 1976, production of model aircraft Type RTAF 5 was built.
In 1982, Trainer aircraft Type T-18a (Fantrainer) and its production rights were purchased from Germany. Altogether 25 aircraft were built.

Rolls-Royce equipment has been in service in Thailand since 1973. In 1996, Rolls-Royce introduced high technology aircraft engine maintenance and test capability in support of Thai Airways. In 2008 Rolls-Royce supported the King Mongkut University of Technology with a scholarship fund, development of learning materials, and an executive lecture program.

On 23 January 2006, Thailand and Sweden agreed to promote transfer of technology in conventional weapons and promote dialogues on military issues within the existing framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in the field of Logistics and Support and Other Related Activities between the Governments of the Kingdoms of Thailand and Sweden. They agreed to facilitate the feasibility studies of the procurement of Sweden’s air defence aircraft, taking into account the proposed barter trade between agricultural products and aircrafts by the Thai side as well as looking into the details of the offset arrangements of the Swedish side. They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the Swedish defence industries and "Thai agencies concerned such as Thai Aviation Industry (TAI), Thai Aerospace and Defence Industry" [not otherwise identifiable], in developing maintenance and support capabilities of Thailand.

In October 2007 Thailand selected the Saab Gripen multirole fighter to replace the RTAF's Northrop F-5B/Es. Sweden would transfer source codes, software and documentation for the Gripen planes as well as key engineering capabilities to allow joint integration of future systems like new sensors and weapons systems. It would also support the establishment of full maintenance and support systems in partnership with the Thai aerospace industry.

http://www.ov-10bronco.net/techspecs-t05.cfm

Rhein-Flugzeugbau (RFB) Fantrainer

The RFB Fantrainer is a 1970s-era two-seat flight training aircraft which uses a ducted fan propulsion system. It was manufactured by Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH (RFB) in Germany and Thailand and used by the Royal Thai Air forces. This two-seat flight training aircraft using a mid mounted ducted fan propulsion system. The radical design was a two-seat (tandem) jet trainer, offering low operating costs by use of a ducted-fan engine mounted aft of the cabin and fore of the T tail.

The company RFB (Rhein Flugzeugbau) was founded in 1956 as a subsidiary of MBB. Rhein-Flugzeugbau (RFB) built the Fanliner two-seat light aircraft with Wankel rotary engine in collaboration with Grumman. The first of two prototypes flew on 31 May 1973 in the fan trainer version 400. It was reengined in 1976 with a Dowty Rotol ducted propulsor. Based on the Fanliner's promise, the Federal German Government awarded a contract for two Fantrainer prototypes with ducted fan engines. In 1975 the company was commissioned by the German Federal Government with the design and development of a new training plane that got the name of Fantrainer.

First flight of the Fantrainer was 27 October 1977. The aircraft was produced in two models, the Fantrainer 400, powered by a 420 shp Allison 250-C20B and the Fantrainer 600, which was powered by a 650 shp Allison 250-C30. A rotary engine was considered initially, but the specified Allison type prevailed. Only the first prototype of the Fantrainer (flown 1978) had the coupled Wankel engines.

The flight characteristics of the fan generally corresponded to those of a jet aircraft. It was evaluated by the German Lufthwaffe during 1986 as a potential replacement for the outdated Piaggio trainer. From July to September 1985, the German air force had a fan trainer 400 and two fan trainer 600. In 241 hours of comprehensive testing they were evaluated as a possible successor for the ageing Piaggio P.149D in basic flying training. The aircraft were examined and the Luftwaffe proposed some changes to the instrumentation and the coated propeller. The aircrafr won the comparison with Beech and Pilatus aircraft, and fullfilled all the requirements of the Lufthwaffe. But training was moved to the United States, and no aircraft were purchased as a result of the competition. Germany never really used them. There were a few test machines flying in military colors, but these were never operational. The Lufthansa operated a handful for initial and instructor pilot training, but these were retired after only a short time.

Thailand was the only country in the world that operated this type of aircraft. In August 1982 [some sources report 1984], Rhein-Flugzeugbau received an order from the Royal Thai air force on 31 fan trainers to 400 and 16 600 fan trainer. The first two aircraft were handed over in October 1984; the remaining 45 were delivered as decomposed kits and assembled in Thailand. As many as 47 [48 ?] were planned to replace first the CT.4 Airtrainers, then the SF.260s, and finally the small fleet of T-37Cs, which might then be converted into A-37Bs for COIN. By one account, Thailand originally purchased 47 Fantrainers (plus 16 options, but those were not realized) of which 31 were the Fantrainer 400 and 16 the Fantrainer 600. Only 2 were built in Germany in 1984 (one 400 and one 600), the other 45 were delivered as kits for local assembly (5 in 1984, 22 in 1985 and 18 in 1986). Other sources report that either 25 or 29 kits were assembled in Thailand. Production of the Fantrainer 400s begun 1986, with delivery of 31 with metal wings completed 1991.

The FT-400 primary trainers were designated Trainer Type 18 in Thailand. The Fantrainer 600s entered service in 1989. The Royal Thai Air Force assigned them to 402 Squadron, where they were used as step up pilot trainers to Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter. After an initial period of operation, the RTAF elected to replace the aircraft's glass fiber wings with locally-produced aluminium wings, even when the original fiber glass wings proved to endure well in the hot and humid Thailand weather, which was a main concern of the manufacturer. The operatioal life was short, only 6 years, due to the unsatisfactory performance. Although the last one was delivered in 1991, they were replaced with L39ZE by 1995.

Type	fan trainer 400 (600)
Type:	trainer for basic flight training and the beginners course
engine	turbine engine Allison 250-C20B (250-C30) with 313 (485) kW performance:
top speed	370 (417) km/h at 3 000 (5 500) m height;
Service ceiling	6 100 (7 600) m;
Range	1,186 (l 037) km
Unladen mass	1,114 (1,160) kg;
maximum allowable take-off weight	1,800 (2 300) kg
Dimensions: wing span	9,74 m;
Length	9,48 m;
height	3.16 M;
Wing area	14.00 m2
Armament	none, Gun and rocket containers possible
Crew	2

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dae.mi.th%2Farticles%2Faeronautical.htm

Thai Aviation Industries Company Limited (TAI)

Thai Aviation Industries Company Limited (TAI) was born by the cabinet permitting the Transportation Ministry and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to jointly establish the company on 23 September 2003. The establishment of TAI was to cope with the increasing demand for military and commercial aircraft repaire and maintenance services that was not available in the Kingdom at that time. The operation of the company has been growin ever since. At that time, Thailand had no aviation maintenance center of its own, therefore the company was established. By 2010 the company was serving the industry with more than 400 highly experienced engineers and aviation technicians from the Royal Thai Air Force.

The cabinet approved the project for the Transportation Ministry and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to jointly establish the Thai Aviation Industries Company Limited (TAI) with the registered capital of 100 milion baht. Two major founding shareholders of TAI are The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), 51 percent and the RTAF welfare, 49 percent. Thai Aviation Industries Company Limited (TAI)'s headquarters at Donmueang started its operation on 29 January 2004.The company's aircraft repair services center at Nakhonsawan Province was officially opened on the 29th April 2004.

The standard of the services is in accordance with the rules instructed by the Department of Civil Aviation. One year later, the company expanded its services to cover the new two maintenance services centers for light planes and aircraft for flight training at the Flying Traning School (Nakhonpathom Province) and Squadron 604, Donmueang. The company also set up the tool and measurement testing and calibration center in 2005.

In 2006, TAI in order to cope with the increasing demand, opened the Piston Engine Repairing Division (Donmueang) and Propeller Repairing Division (Dommueang) and Avionics Repair & Maintenance Support Center (Donnmueang). At the end of the year. Helicopter Repairing Center at Lopburi Province was opened for service. In late 2006, The Helicopter Repairing Center (Lopburi) was established to provide the repairing and maintenance serves for helicopters used in the government and private sectors. With the capable and experienced personnel on the repairing and maintenance of helicopter, the standard of service is entrusted. The Thai aviation industries Company Limited had established the Helicopter Repairing Center (Lopburi) by requesting permission from RTAF to use the area in the Aircraft Maintenance Building No. 2002, Aircraft Repairing Division, Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering under the Air Support Command as the repairing station. The building was installed for the operation of the company.

The Center is capable of repairing and maintenance at all levels for the following helicopters and equipment.

Helicopter Bell 205 Series (Civil)/UH-IH (Militaey)
Helicopter Bell 206 Series (Jet Ranger)
Helicopter Bell 212
Helicopter Bell 412 Series
Equipment of Helicopter Bell 205 Series/UH – 1H , Bell 212 and Bell 482 Series according to te Capability List file.

http://www.dae.mi.th/articles/aeronautical.htm http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=th&u=http://www.dae.mi.th/articles/aeronautical.htm&ei=_EJAT43EGsry0gGwtLDbDQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCIQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsite:.th%2B%2522%25E0%25B9%2582%25E0%25B8%25A3%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B8%25AD%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%2581%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%25A8%25E0%25B8%25A2%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%2599%2522%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26as_qdr%3Dall%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D583%26prmd%3Dimvns http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dae.mi.th%2Farticles%2Faeronautical.htm Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering Throughout its 85 years ago the Department of mechanic air has developed business areas continued by one of the major activities of the Department of mechanic air is to build aircraft, which began from a continuous development and 2458 (1915). Although the Department of mechanic air will refrain from creating aircraft came over time but it has initiated creation of aircraft again recently for the purpose of developing the personnel Department of mechanic air, learn technology creation and process of creating aircraft. If you can create a successful prototype aircraft air force aircraft will be produced for use in Government itself. It also creates a reputation, with the Department of mechanic air and the air force. Enterprises can create air mechanic Department's airport is divided into 3 range together with first commenced operation when the Department flight has raised as an army Squadron which initially created the same airport seriously within the factory's Squadron army occurred in the air created by 2458 (1915) ke-3. use Government of Bremen and released a successful test flight when the first since May 27 2458 (1915) that Thai people can create a plane using. Using wood in the country will see that Thai people's capability in the past. Not less than countries in Europe or America. The range of 2 of the airport operation Department of mechanic air. Started on Foundation Department of mechanic air, which corresponds to April 19 was lost by operation 2465 (1922) aircraft during this period covered from 2465 (1922) until the end of World War 2 (23 years) 2488 (1945) in which all this time have created various aircraft either by purchase or clone methods adapted from the airport purchasing licenses from foreign countries, including the design and produced by 9 chocolates: 2465 (1922) Create an airplane Chase, his stature in 2 (yeah pon 15 square meters). 2466 (1923) Create a fighter plane (sapat, 7) his stature in the 3. 2467 (1924) Create an airplane Chase, his stature in 4 (yeah pon de Alanis tabs) 2470 (1927) Commander Luang wetyan rangsrit Director of army aircraft factory (later as Royal ship Lieutenant Governor rangsrit wetyan. Commander of the first air force in 2480 (1937)) designed and built aircraft bomb a. 2 by his Majesty King Pok as “ ” presentation last, which count as aircraft boriphat-first design and create by Thai people. This airplane has created a large number of long-distance flights and have used to expand relations in India and Indochina France. The binboriphat Front entrance Club air force officer Sue 2472 (1929) design and create an airplane Chase, his stature in 5 by his Majesty King Pok that confer an “ quick ” thipok tea, which count as a second airplane, designed and built by the Thai people. 2473 (1930) Create a training airplane ?. 4 (the faro 504 engine) by buying land to build the company from faro, England. 2477 (1934) Start a new flight attack-make a forecast, 1 (core sandwich VEC-83) can create complete in 2479 (1936) The first version of the 25 and then in 2480 (1937) created the number 25 as the version 2 and version 3. create flight number 50 on 2483 (1940) 2479 (1936) Start building an airplane Chase, his stature in 10 (hok 3) can create complete in 2480 (1937) Number 25, and in also created 25 number 2482 (1939) machine is version 2. 2482 (1939) Create advanced training aircraft, ?. 5 (core transaction header length) with modifications from the plane attack-make a forecast, 1 and switch to a machine that has a lower capacity by the number of all created 10. 3 range of operation of the aircraft Department of mechanic air. Started after the end of World War 2 for a period of 12 years, till 2500 (1957) since is (35 years) 2535 (1992) performed generates various airport by both how to adapt the airport build and purchase license purchasing from overseas, including design and build custom manufactured by chocolates: 6. 2500 (1957) Start a small plane modifications as Hiper and altering 2 l. to the aircraft for an important person (VIP) number 2, by the same year started to adapt and create a communication plane sat 5 airplane (bonanza) is used as a desktop 2. flight training and administration. Air force plane that altering the 2 comes from a communication plane sat 5. 2514 (1971) Start a project to create a training plane and staff by 4. th in the completed build 2517 (1974) The number 14 The air force plane 4 2517 (1974) Air force bought a plane PL-2 from the chame khraf here, air. Country United States come to create a test flight to-evaluate. The number 1 engine by assigned as flight engineer 1-air-cho. The air force plane 5 2518 (1975) Start a project to create an advanced training aircraft to weave, but not successful 5. By plane prototype can actually fly, but do not have the required performance and cancelled the project in 2526 (1983) 2525 (1982) Start a project to create a training airplane ?. 18 (FT-400 trainer boyfriend), and an. ?. 18 (fan trainer FT-600) together with Reinhold fluke SOI Baron • Germany by creating a training airplane ?. 18. Number 14, and ?., the number of the operation 18 18 finished in 2535 (1992) Flight training-?. 18 (Fantrainer) From the history Department of the airport building mechanic air past will see that creating aircraft is one of the main task of the Department of mechanic air in the past, but after the air force started to supply high-performance fighter aircraft, including fighter planes (baht b.), 18/Mar/b/B/or flight F-5A/E/F fighter planes and a 19/F-16A/B or flight duty, starting with development to create less arbitrary airport. By the turn, sending priority, and high-performance aircraft maintenance, it can perform the task efficiently. For this reason, it can be said that the Department of mechanic air has quit from most 10 year development build aircraft. Reviewing possibilities to start business new aircraft. Occurs during late 2546 (2003) purpose, tasks created by the airport he ability to appoint a Committee to develop new aircraft of cho, a. on. To develop new aircraft project, pushed this template is true and still in progress so far. The initial Board of Directors Get together to set goals and develop new aircraft prototype, which results in the meeting summary of the underlying aircraft that will create as a training plane has a range of approximately 4 seat airplane 800 nautical miles and a maximum speed not exceeding 180 nut using a pump motor put across (Flat Engine) and can keep a wheelbase. The Committee therefore share the draft characteristics (Specification) of the underlying aircraft which operates these specific features. The Committee found that the flight training. ?. 15 (Marchetti SF 260) that were stationed in an air force specific features more closely. Flight training 15-?. (SF 260 Marchetti) Because the Department of mechanic air did not take long to create a Science Committee is of the opinion that to refresh their knowledge. The ability of the personnel related should bring a training flight discharge at ?. 15, then a template to develop new aircraft the underlying motor pump by using a name that binkrom air mechanic 2 cho. Then it will develop to create the underlying aircraft engine rotor turbine (Turboprop) using the name that the air force plane 6th. Anyway, Plane master cho baht 2. The concept of such a Committee. As a result, development of new aircraft templates 2. cho baht baht and 6th. There are guidelines for different operations. It is the creation of baht 2. cho are operated by bring a training plane. ?. 15 methane reverse engineering (Reverse Engineering) system to generate familiarity and expertise of personnel to create relevant airport. Also prepare before creation. 6. th baht continuing in parallel by creating the 6th baht. guidelines for operations like creating a typical airport which consists of 5 steps. Step one is to define (Requirement Specification) requirements in the mission, as well as the airport. Step two is the main strategic plan process (Conceptual Design) by defining and systems at a glance. The third phase is the initial phase of the plan (Preliminary Design) using a program to help design, create and customize features, including shape and create replica. These four stages to the plan in detail (Detail Design) and write a detailed piece on creation. Step five is the step to create (Fabrication) As part of a project to develop new aircraft prototype or baht woven. 6. Department of mechanic air support for budgets, received from the Office of research and development. Ministry of defence, can proceed to create the underlying aircraft within a period of 2 years from September till October 2548 (2005) 2550 (2007), which are now considered the operation stretched again 1 year till September 2551 (2008) Because cannot allocate budget according to the budget. Part of the new development. 6. it is baht woven split operation in the related are the following: 8. The formatting operation. Proceed about governance Consider the solution to conflicts and coordination of supply devices in aircraft, as well as track the operation of related have quality and in accordance with the plan. Engineering system about analyzing a model calculation of design and control systems within the aircraft, with the consistency and integration between as well as make reference guide. Define maintenance plan and consider preparing a budget for maintenance. An aircraft engineering and planning Action on education guidelines and procedural designing aircraft including test in wind tunnel. Calculating the aerodynamics to plan the aircraft performance analysis required by the stability and flight master and suggest guidelines for tool design, aircraft, including coordination and cooperation with external agencies and coordinate various aspects of technical information. The system is powered and lubricant actions about design education. Creating and adjusting devices in your system powered aeroplane prototype consists of. Motor rotor System cooling lubrication accelerator pedal force driving shaft enforcing wires and kits, including testing of ground analysis and system improvement driven as well as gather technical information to support the operation of other. The system boriphan aircraft, which includes electrical measuring and ACE Milne on nik. Special rotor system and the airport and fuel system boriphan and hydraulic. Continue writing about design Creating and adjusting devices in boriphan system of the airport consists of a plane. Measuring ACE Milne on nik System wires rotor The fuel system. Lubrication system brakes the wheel base. Rubber and hydraulic analysis of ground including test results and improve the working of the system of data collection, as well as the boriphan aircraft to support the technical operation, etc. The create and alter the structure carries about design making Jigs and Fixtures form a blueprint and create a blueprint made various parts of that structure will create or alter template type to create individual pieces of the structure and to create, modify, and composed of the aircraft structure, including a flight interior color and decoration outside the airport hangar, overseeing quality control template to accomplish a task goals and standards. The test structure and test the air sector. Continue with creating a model to analyze the impact of tried-and-tested as well as calculate and test duty aerodynamics "made to the structure of the aircraft. The maintenance operation planning and control, as well as aircraft maintenance manuals to keep in repair, including design documents in compliance with the. http://www.navy.mi.th/newwww/document/history/history_rtn/content2_4.php For the latest progress in the business of creating aircraft mechanic Department air. When November 5 congratulations ceremony 2550 (2007). Success in building an airplane prototype (baht cho. 2) at the military airport, airport parking by Air Force Commander, honour and the military commander of the air force you to honor a sakkhi witness. The success of this template with the airport http://www.rtaf.mi.th/museum/AFHIST-2.HTM http://www.rtaf.mi.th/museum/BLDG1-2.HTM

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list