RTAF is Increasing the Capability of Fighter Aircraft and Training the T-50TH with Sniper ATP

31 Mei 2023

RTAF) is working for enhancement capabilities of its 12 T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) aircrafts currently in service with 401st Sqaudron, Wing 4 Takhli include retrofit Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced. Targeting Pods (ATP) (all photos : RTAF)

Online social media of Wing 4 Takhli Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has published pictures of their visit to their operations in May, 2023 which is to improve the capability of fighter and training aircraft Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50TH Golden Eagle, 401 Squadron, Wing 4, by installing additional Lockheed Martin targeting pods AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP).

The Royal Thai Air Force has not provided details on the improvement of 12 T-50TH fighter and training aircraft stationed in the 401 Squadron. But the picture showing the screen showing a lecture given to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Narong Inthachat on May 9, 2023, shows the time frame for the installation of the T-50TH Phase 4 with the installation (retrofit) of the Sniper ATP targeting pod during April-November 2023. The background is T-50TH  the number 40110 under maintenance also has a box containing the Sniper ATP Targeting Pod.

There will also be a display of avionic equipment such as mission computers and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) display on the Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM fighter jet EMLU Squadron 403 Squadron 4 Number 18 already.

A visit to Wing 4 by Air Chief Marshal Park Chil Ho, Commander of the Logistics Division Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) on May 16, 2023, there is also an exhibition of T-50TH 2nd T-50TH No. 40104 and one machine that is being maintained.

Based on the latest FA-50 Block 10 fighter and light attack aircraft standards, the Sniper ATP pod provides high-resolution images for high-accuracy targeting and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). Commonly detect, identify, auto-track and laser point small tactical targets at long distances, and supports the use of all types of laser and GPS satellite-guided weapons against fixed and multiple moving targets for pilots. 

It was previously known that The procurement of fighter pilot training aircraft at the initial stage (Phase 3), with an estimated budget of 1,659,360,500 baht ($ 52.5 million), is to improve the capabilities of fighter aircraft and trainer T-50TH received and announced in the year 2019.

Includes Israel Elta EL/M-2032 Radar installation, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and additional Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS).

The Royal Thai Air Force's primary fighter pilot training aircraft procurement project For fighter and training aircraft T-50TH, a total of 14 machines are delayed due to the reduction of the defense budget due to the Covid-19 epidemic situation.

Until on July 9, 2021, the Royal Thai Air Force announced the procurement of two additional T-50TH Phase 4. It is understood that a contract has been signed with KAI, Republic of Korea followed later in 2021, the delivery is understood that it should take place around the year 2024.

Improving the capability of fighter aircraft and training the T-50TH in the 4th phase project In addition to the addition of targeting pods, the ATP Sniper will likely include the JHMCS pilot helmet and the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, all of which are compatible with the 403 Squadron F-16AM/BM EMLU.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Republic of Korea, is still in the process of building the last two T-50TH aircraft No. 40113 and 40114 for the Royal Thai Air Force at their aircraft factory in Sacheon as well.

(AAG)