Boeing Successfully Completes First Flight of Thailand’s First AH-6 Little Bird Helicopter

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Boeing has successfully conducted the first flight of the AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopter designated for the Royal Thai Army. This milestone flight took at Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, marking a significant advancement in Thailand’s military aviation capabilities.

 

The AH-6 helicopters, part of an order for a total of eight units, are being produced as part of Thailand’s initiative to enhance its defense readiness and modernise its military fleet. Christina Upah, Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Executive at Boeing Mesa, stated, “With its superior performance and flexible, easily configurable mission equipment, the Little Bird packs enormous versatility into a small, combat-proven package to get the job done. 
 

 

We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army to provide Thailand with these critical defense capabilities, and we look forward to supporting training for the first Thai Little Bird pilots in the near future.”

 

Upon completion of the delivery of the helicopters, Boeing will conduct training for Royal Thai Army pilots at its Mesa site and at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. This training will enable pilots to effectively operate the AH-6 and utilise its versatile mission capabilities.

 

Designed with a purpose-built military fuselage, an integrated cockpit, and the latest fully integrated weapon systems, the AH-6 helicopter is equipped to handle a variety of missions and adapt to diverse operational environments. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Royal Thai Army to strengthen its aviation capabilities and respond to evolving security challenges.

 

Boeing was awarded the contract for the AH-6 helicopters through a Foreign Military Sales order from the U.S. Department of Defense in February 2022. The contract includes spares, training devices, support equipment, and technical documentation for the Thai customer, ensuring a comprehensive support system for the new aircraft.

 

Picture courtesy of Boeing.

 

-- 2024-10-06

 

 

[Yagoda]

Thats a fabulous platform and very versatile

[CharlesHolzhauer]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Boeing has successfully conducted the first flight of the AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopter designated for the Royal Thai Army.

 

The AH-6 helicopters, part of an order for a total of eight units, are being produced as part of Thailand’s initiative to enhance its defense readiness and modernise its military fleet.

Ah, the classic 'attack to defend' strategy—because nothing says self-protection like going on the offensive, right?

[impulse]

Boeing could use a little bit of good news.

 

[Denim]

A lot more useful and practical  than a submarine.