Boeing successfully completed the first flight of the AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopter for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) on 22 August at its facility in Mesa, Arizona. This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of eight AH-6 helicopters, procured as part of Thailand’s efforts to modernise its national defence capabilities.
“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,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive. “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.”
In February 2022, Boeing was awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement to deliver the eight helicopters. This contract also includes spare parts, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications. Additionally, the sale encompasses 50 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 200 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets, 500 Hydra 70 rockets, ten M134 7.62 mm Miniguns, four GAU-19/B 12.7 mm machine guns, and various launchers and avionics. The total value of the deal is estimated at USD 400 million.
These new helicopters are set to replace the RTA’s ageing fleet of seven Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters. The army initially ordered four AH-1F Cobras in 1998 for its 3rd Aviation Battalion, later acquiring additional units after losing one in a crash in 2001.
The Boeing AH-6, which is based on the MH-6 Little Bird and MD 500 helicopter families, is operated by a two-person crew and can carry three fully equipped troops. It is powered by an Allison 250-C30 turboshaft engine, providing 317 kW of power. The helicopter boasts a maximum cruise speed of 233 km/h (126 knots), a range of 331 km (179 nautical miles), and an endurance of approximately two hours.
With this acquisition, Thailand joins Jordan and Saudi Arabia as the third nation to operate the AH-6 helicopters, further strengthening its military aviation capabilities. Following the completion of the helicopter fleet, Boeing will provide training for RTA pilots at its Mesa site and at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground.
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