The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) took delivery of its first two Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine turboprops on Wednesday.
The ceremony took place at 41 Wing in Chiang Mai and was presided over by 41 Squadron Leader, Prathon Chinawat.
The AT-6TH was ordered by Thailand in 2021 in a deal for eight aircraft. They will replace the L-39 Albatros jets in light attack and close air support missions, which had already been retired about three years ago.
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The RTAF already flies the T-6 training version, of which it has 12 aircraft. According to her, eight pilots recently completed flight training on the Wolverine in the United States.
Dispute over new fighter order
The AT-6TH light attack aircraft is equipped with a 1,600 hp PT-6 engine and can reach 858 km/h (316 knots) cruising speed at 9,949 m (31,000 ft) altitude.
The range is 3,194 km (1,725 nautical miles) and the payload is 1,864 kg (4,110 lbs).
The Wolverine can receive various equipment such as a WESCAM MX-15Di infrared sensor and armaments such as 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, Hydra 70 air-to-surface missile, HMP-400 pod, LAU-131/A rocket launcher and a .50 caliber machine gun, among others.
The arrival of the first AT-6TH comes amid evaluation of a new order for fighters by the Royal Thai Air Force.
Last week, the service commander recommended the choice of the Saab Gripen E/F fighter as the best technical option in relation to the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72.
However, the United States would have made an offer to put the F-16 back into contention. There is no estimate on when the Thai government will announce its decision.
