RTAF celebrates 40th anniversary of F5 E/F fighter jet, receives upgraded prototype

 

 

UBON RATCHATHANI, 24 May 2018 (NNT) – The Royal Thai Air Force has held an honor ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of its F5 E/F fighter jet while also unveiling a prototype F5 E. 

Royal Thai Air Force Commander, ACM Jom Roongsawang, chaired the anniversary ceremony for the force’s F5 E/F fighter jet, as well as a tandem ceremony to receive its prototype F5 E under a program to enhance the combat capability of Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani. 

During the ceremony the commander rewarded a former commanding officer of the squadron that contained the F5 E/F with a memorial gift while commending the squadron for its successes and the prestige it has brought to the air force and the nation over the past 40 years. The commander pointed out the F5 E/F played an integral part in protecting the nation and took part in combat along the Thai-Cambodian border and the Baan Rom Klao conflict. 

The F5 E prototype is the first of 14 aircraft to receive modern upgrades and be returned to the air force by its contractor. The refitted plane will be able to serve the force for another 15 years.

 

-- nnt 2018-05-24

53 minutes ago, webfact said:

The commander pointed out the F5 E/F played an integral part in protecting the nation and took part in combat along the Thai-Cambodian border and the Baan Rom Klao conflict. 

As I remember it, the Baan Rom Klao "conflict" was little more than a border skirmish with Laos... and the glorious Thai Army retreated after three days, leaving the field to the ferocious Laotians.

The F5 aircraft was never designed to be a fighter jet .It was designed to be light and fast  to simulate an enemy aircraft for The US Air force to fly against for practice in dog fights. It has been deployed as a fighter in several countries and has seen combat during the Iraqi Iran 8 year war ,holding its own against the Mig21.It is a good advanced trainer to learn dog fights and other combat situations in.

I'm a wee bit confused by the poor writing.  

I think the writer is saying that saying that the RTAF is flying 40 year old F5E 's and they've just got a the first upgrade to an F5F configuration?

 

Hmmm. That seems a bit slow.

I'm sure the good gentlemen of the RTAF are aware  of The Boneyard for spare parts for their F5E/F/G.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=davis+monthan&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj45PzN_qDbAhWbe30KHRjFBEcQ_AUICygC&biw=1366&bih=637

 

 

Never read anything about a private contractor to 'modernise' 14 Thai F5's... What is/was the full scope of the job according to the official contract, ...and the price per plane, please?

Oh, come on, this can't be a secret, it goes about 40 years old museum worthy junk, as for the joke of flying these old girls for 15 more years long, why not, as 'classic' planes do well recently, ...in shows.

Could ask Prawit, with the contacts he must have, for a brand of luxury watches interested in sponsoring these 14 F5s (minus 40% of the budget for him), Breitling a bit busy already, but, why not Patek Philippe he's a fan of...

On 5/24/2018 at 12:45 PM, Misterwhisper said:

As I remember it, the Baan Rom Klao "conflict" was little more than a border skirmish with Laos... and the glorious Thai Army retreated after three days, leaving the field to the ferocious Laotians.

The Baan Rom Klao conflict was a bit like the one they had with the French in 1940-41 over Indochina territorial claims which the Thais won with their naval armarda and took back some territories from the French. In those days anyone could beat the French, even the Thais.

So after that the Thais flushed with success rushed off and built Victory Monument. Only problem was that General MacArthur recognised the Thais as Japanese quislings and took the territories away from them and gave them back to the French. Therefore Victory Monument, as impressive looking as it is, represents nothing. 

A museum piece for the RTAF flying club.

They gave some nice "nose art" to the aircraft pictured. It's probably not permanent though. Shouldn't there be a monk in attendance?

Edited May 26, 20188 yr by MaxYakov

7 minutes ago, MaxYakov said:

They gave some nice "nose art" to the aircraft pictured. It's probably not permanent though. Shouldn't there be a monk in attendance?

 There was no monk in attendance because the offer of 10.000 baht was not enough, cheapest monks would do it for was 20.000 baht.

Sad news