From my understanding, Lizard 3 is the Laser-guided ammunition/bomb developed by Elbit system. For more information, I would recommend you to the Elbit system website for the Lizard family Lizard | Elbit Systems.
References:
Bro where are you now? You came as quickly as you left, how the hell did you find these vehicles
Has there ever been confirmed reports of the Thai VT-4s actually getting the APS addon upgrade?
Man, I wish VT-4 was likely…
But probably not gonna come to a Thai subtree, due to backlash from a certain greedy red dragon’s underlings…
it mostly from old thai magazine from the 80s called battlefield weekly, all warfare that i collect…
Beside PITCH BLACK, Royal Thai Airforce also participates in many Joint Exercises. In the year 2024 alone, Thai Airforce plans to participate in up to 10 events!
Cool infographics from Royal Thai Airforce Facebook page! Don’t forget to Like (And Subscribe, lol) the page if you are a fan of Thai warplanes and Thai Air Force!
In the document “30 Years of RTAF R&D”, there are various interesting research and development projects, one of which is the report of the research in arming F-5E with AIM-9M.
In the document, it is stated that, while the experiment resulted in the successful launch and utilization of AIM-9M from F-5E platform, due to the platform’s limitation, AIM-9M wasn’t able to be used up to it maximum potential.
Apart from the F-5E fighter aircraft and AIM-9M missiles, another important development is the upgrade of the Alpha Jet (B.J.7 ot Type 7 attack aircraft.) The upgrades include:
Its a shame that these are all unarmed but the Dominator XP UAV is just so stupid but it works vibe for me. Its literally just a business prop plane (Diamond Star DA42) converted into a UAV by strapping a shit ton of sensors and cameras into it lol.
Tbf the Royal Thai Navy, not to be outdone, just bought a couple of Hermes 900 for themselves and that one actually has the capability to carry ordnance. I mean Im pretty sure you can jerry rig ordnance into the Dominator XP but that would be a battlefield modification - not factory standard.
The Royal Thai Armed Force has allocated resources appropriate to budget and usage needs, instead of overusing and reducing its capabilities. The role of the Dominator XP drone is used in intelligence missions, reconnaissance, inspection of illegal activities, surveying the terrain to analyze waterways, surveying and reporting the situation in disaster areas, which are used for both military and civilian purposes. We also have suitable attack aircraft such as the AT-6 Wolverine, so there is no need to arm this drone.
I have made a bug report regarding the ability to mount Python 3s on the wing tip for the F-5E FCU, if you agree for it to have the ability to do so please consider clicking. And if you have any more sources to back up feel free to add them
https://community.gaijin.net/issues/p/warthunder/i/PZZhfD0mi63E
Can your share the picture(s) ? I am not sure if the unmodified F-5s were able to take Python-3s.
According to the Thai Aviation website this aircraft was upgraded to F-5T, which would be the second capability upgrade also integrating wingtip carried Python 4.
This suggests the use of Python 3 and Python 4 on the same rails, meaning the F-5T/E SCU might be able to carry a total of 4 Python 4 using the same underwing rails as the F-5E FCU.
Ah ok because the plaque said it is a bare stock F-5E, i suppose i should close the issue then
I wouldn’t guarantee that just yet. The website has made mistakes before, such as identifying 6 of the Thai SF260s as W models, when the only W model among them would be RTAF serial F.15-17/21. It could be that the upgrades done to this airframe are FCU standard instead, as they do not clarify those upgrades and I don’t know whether they count those as F-5E still or note them down as F-5T.
As long as the plaque is included in the report I’d say Gaijin can use the information and do their own research on the aircraft.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has selected the JAS 39 Gripen E/F to be included in its new fighter attack squadron.
#Most Suitable To Protect Our National Interest
#UnbeatableAirForce
#กองทัพอากาศ
As part of the RTAF’s Phase 1 program to procure replacement fighter jets for the 2025-2029 fiscal years, which aims to replace the F-16 A/B aircraft that have been in service with the 102nd Squadron, Wing 1, for over 36 years since 1988, the procurement project is of great importance. It has been outlined in the RTAF Whitepaper 2024, given the substantial budget required, sourced from public taxes. Therefore, the committee tasked with selecting and determining the procurement method for the replacement fighter aircraft, appointed by the Air Force Commander, has emphasized the need for careful consideration to ensure the cost-effectiveness of acquiring fighter jets capable of defending the nation for at least another 30 years.
The replacement fighter aircraft must surpass the capabilities of the current RTAF jets, align with the principles of commonality and continuity, and have the potential for future development in line with the strategic goals of the RTAF and the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The procurement must also adhere to the offset policy, aimed at promoting self-reliance, enhancing economic value, and increasing Thailand’s competitiveness on the international stage.
After over 10 months of thorough evaluation, the selection committee has concluded that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet meets the RTAF’s operational needs according to its doctrine and strategy. It offers operational independence and can be developed to enhance multi-domain operations involving the RTAF, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, the Army, the Navy, and various security agencies under the network-centric operation concept, effectively and in line with the allocated budget. The proposal also includes direct offset agreements, such as developing the defense industry for self-reliance to meet international standards, and indirect offsets, such as providing scholarships for personnel and civilians to gain advanced knowledge and skills abroad, technology transfer in environmental and agricultural fields, and establishing innovation centers to boost productivity and income generation, thereby enhancing Thailand’s long-term economic competitiveness.
The RTAF assures the public that the JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet procurement will be carried out transparently, efficiently, and with full accountability, ensuring that the high-performance equipment acquired will effectively protect national sovereignty and airspace interests, respond to current and future threats, and align with the budgetary constraints and the country’s development policies set by the government.
Public Relations Department
Office of Civil Affairs and Public Relations
Department of Civil Affairs, Royal Thai Air Force
August 27, 2024
Has the exact variant and number of F-16 being replaced been announced? Because I assume it doesn’t include the later F-16 batches?
Unfortunate.
