TSAMTO, November 26. Textron Aviation Defense has announced that it is nearing the completion of production of 12 T-6TH "Texan-2" TCB for the Thai Air Force. Currently, the aircraft are undergoing technical evaluation ahead of schedule.
The contract signed in October 2020, worth $162 million, provides for the supply of 12 T-6TH aircraft to the Thai Air Force, as well as a ground training system for pilots and maintenance specialists, a system for planning and analyzing flight results, spare parts and ground support equipment. Work under the contract is being carried out at the Textron company's facility in Wichita (pcs.Kansas).
Textron demonstrated all 12 aircraft during a recent visit by the Thai Air Force Acceptance Commission. During the visit to the enterprise, the flight aboard one of the planes was performed by the Commander of the Thai Air Force, Air Marshal Chanon Mungthanya.
Under the terms of the contract, the training of pilots and technicians of the Thai Air Force should begin in Wichita in 2022. It was planned that the aircraft would be transferred to the Flight Training School of the Thai Air Force (Kampheng Saen Air Base) in the period from late 2022 to early 2023. Taking into account the advance of the schedule, it is possible that these deadlines will be changed.
As reported by TSAMTO, in November 2021, the Thai Air Force Command concluded another contract with Textron Aviation Defense for the supply of 8 AT-6E "Volverin" light combat aircraft (the Thai Air Force will receive the designation AT-6TH), other equipment and services. The sale cost was $143.4 million. The AT-6TH is to be adopted by the Thai Air Force in 2024.
The unification of the T-6TH with the AT-6TH Volverin is about 85%, which will simplify operation, as well as reduce maintenance costs and spare parts supply.
