Attacker Type 4: Fairey Firefly I (1951-1954)

In December 1951, the RTAF received 12 two-seater Fairey Firefly attackers, comprising 10 F1 and two T2 aircraft, which were categorized as Attacker Type 4 aircraft. Powered by one 1,815-HP Rolls-Royce Griffon 12 engine, the aircraft served under Wing 7 during 1951-1954).

Attacker Type 3: Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver (1950 -1955)

The RTAF received six two-seater Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver dive bombers from the United States, which were referred to as Attacker Type 3 and served with Wing 7. The Helldiver served the RTAF during 1950-1955.

Fighter Type 14: Supermarine Spitfire XIV (1950-1954)

The RTAF purchased 30 Supermarine Spitfire XIV aircraft from Great Britain, which were categorized as Fighter Type 14. Twenty-four of the aircraft were model F14E; the remainder FR14E. In 1954, the RTAF bought four reconnaisance versions of the aircraft, dubbed the PR19.

Fighter Type 11: Curtiss Hawk 75N (1937-1949)

To replace eight multi-purpose Breguet 14 (Type 1) aircraft from France, which had been in service during 1919-1937, the RTAF ordered 12 Curtiss Hawk 75N fighters from the United States. The aircraft arrived in the kingdom in 1937 and served the RTAF through 1949. The aircraft are categorized as Fighter Type 11. This aircraft was also known as the P-36 Hawk. This aircraft was used extensively by the French Air Force during the Battle of France and by the Vichy France regime. This aircraft was used against French forces during the Franco-Thai War (October 1940-May 1941).

Trainer Type 6: Tachikawa Ki-36 Ida (1942-1950)

The RTAF purchased 24 Tachikawa Ki-36 Ida training aircraft from Japan in 1942, categorizing them as Aircraft Type 89. These planes are now known as Trainer Type 6 and are nicknamed Tachikawa. The Ki-36 Ida is a two-seater, advanced training aircraft, powered by a 450-HP Kawasaki engine. According to the RTAF Museum, this aircraft is one of only two examples remaining worldwide. The aircraft were used during the period 1942-1950.

Fighter Type 10: Curtiss Hawk III (1935-1949)

The newly-formed Air Force Division, which previously operated as the Aeronautical Department, ordered 24 Curtiss Hawk III aircraft in 1935.  Reporting directly to the Minister of Defense, the Air Force Division also purchased a manufacturing license, allowing the kingdom to build the single-seat pursuit biplane locally. The first 12 planes were shipped in August 1935, with the remainder arriving later in the year. These planes were classified as Fighter Type 10. Another 50 Hawk IIIs were built locally during the period 1937-1939. According to the RTAF Museum, this Curtiss Hawk III is the only example of this aircraft left in the world.

Vought V-93S Corsair: 'One of a Kind'

In 1933, the RTAF purchased 12 observation/attacker Vought V-93S Corsairs. The Aeronautical Department built 25 Corsairs locally in 1936 and another 25 in 1937. Fifty more Corsairs were built locally in 1940, adding further weight to the kingdom's air power. The Corsairs served with Wing 1, Wing 2 and the Flying Training School during 1934-1950. According to the RTAF Museum, this is the only example of this aircraft in existence today.

The First Thai-Built Plane: Boribatra Type 2 Bomber



This Thai-built bomber ('Type 2' [a two-seater biplane]) was designed by Lt-Col Luang Vechayan Rangsarit in 1927. A test flight was conducted and the aircraft was officially named 'Baribatra' by His Majesty King Rama VII. The bomber served with Wing 1 and Wing 2 and was fitted with a 450-HP, British-made Bristol Jupiter engine. This aircraft could reach up to 157 miles per hour and served the Royal Thai Air Force during 1927-1940.

Entrance to the RTAF Museum, Bangkok, Thailand

This blog highlights aircraft used by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). It is an unofficial website, focusing on the RTAF Museum in Bangkok, Thailand. All photos on this website are the property of the authors (copyright terms apply). For further info, contact thisistcs888@gmail.com.