Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Subtree

[Epsilon160 270]

Overview

This subtree is mainly meant to fill gaps in a tree that currently lacks guided CAS options in-game, Japan, by using aircraft operated (not produced, their local production is only trainers) by Thailand, a country that not only has friendly modern relations with Japan, but was also the only other axis country in the Pacific during WW2. The country almost entirely uses western planes, with most of their aircraft being from the US, as such they should not feel out of place next to other planes in the tree. Some planes are omitted, mainly two-seater versions of other aircraft, these planes could be used as premiums, they're just not in the tree to keep Ranks from getting too bloated.

 

Rank 8:

JAS-39C Gripen

Spoiler

The JAS-39C Gripen produced by SAAB is the newest fighter of the RTAF, replacing some of the older F-16 models in use by the RTAF. It is a multirole aircraft, capable of carrying various AAMs, AGMs, and ASMs. It will be the end of the line aircraft of the tree, as the only other aircraft Thailand is considering at the moment is the F-35, which is already in service with Japan in an unmodified state. It is designated as B.Kh20 by Thailand.

Armament:

• Integrated Mauser 27mm cannon with 120 rounds
• AIM-9, IRIS-T, AIM-120, Python, Meteor
• RBS15F, AGM-65, Paveway II, JDAM, Dumb Munitions

https://www.saab.com/products/gripen-c-series

https://militaryleak.com/2020/08/28/saab-gripen-armaments/

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/royal-thai-air-force-to-upgrade-gripen-cd-combat-aircraft-to-ms20-standard

 

F-5TH Super Tigris

Spoiler

The F-5TH Super Tigris is the newest Thai modernization of the F-5E and F-5F Freedom Fighters, carried out by Elbit. With many new sensors and new displays, it is capable of utilizing the most advanced air-to-air weaponry, alongside new targeting pods to improve air-to-ground capability.

Armament:

• 2x integrated M39A3 cannons with 560 rounds
• AIM-9, IRIS-T, Python, Derby
• AGM-65, Paveway II, JDAM, Dumb Munitions

https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.blogspot.com/2020/02/thailand-shows-off-upgraded-f-5th.html

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-02-10/thailand-shows-tiger-fighter-upgrade

https://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/ThailandAF.html

 

F-16AM Block 15 MLU Falcon

Spoiler

The RTAF has had some of their F-16 Block 15s modernized through the Mid-Life Upgrade program. This allows the aircraft to utilize new AAMs and targeting pods, and modernizes some systems less relevant to War Thunder. The F-16 is designated B.Kh19 by Thailand.

Armament:

• Integrated M61A1 cannon with 511 rounds
• AIM-9, IRIS-T, Python, AMRAAM
• AGM-65, Paveway II, JDAM, Dumb Munitions

https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article2.html

https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article20.html

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2014/01/rtaf-f-16-mlu-roll-out-ceremony.html

 

Rank 7:

T-50TH Golden Eagle

Spoiler

The RTAF has bought the T-50TH Golden Eagle as its newest training aircraft to replace the L-39 Albatros. Although it is based on the unarmed trainer variant, the T-50TH has had an integrated 20mm cannon installed, alongside fire control systems allowing it to act as a light attack aircraft, similar to the FA-50.

Armament:

• Integrated A-50 cannon with 205 rounds
• AIM-9, IRIS-T
• AGM-65, Paveway II, JDAM, Dumb Munitions

https://www.koreaaero.com/EN/Business/FA50.aspx

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-06-03/kai-secures-thai-t-50-upgrades

https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/kai-t-50-golden-eagle/

 

F-5E Tiger

Spoiler

The F-5E Tiger has been a long time staple of the RTAF, with modernization to the F-5T Tigris standard in the 90s, and to F-5TH Super Tigris standard in recent years. The unmodified base model F-5E would serve as a competent multirole aircraft with decent air-to-ground capability. The F-5 is designated B.Kh18 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 2x integrated M39A3 cannons with 560 rounds
• AIM-9
• AGM-65, Dumb Munitions, Gun Pods (GPU-5/A specifically noted)

 

A-7E Corsair II

Spoiler

The A-7E Corsair II was used alongside the TA-7C in the Royal Thai Navy for coastal defense and patrol operations. The aircraft are now retired, however are still maintained to a certain extent. They may be the only aircraft capable of utilizing HARM and other anti-radiation missiles in the sub-tree.

Armament:

• Integrated M61A1 cannon with 511 rounds
• AIM-9
• AGM-45, AGM-62, AGM-65, AGM-88, GBU-8, Paveway, Dumb Munitions

 

Rank 6:

AV-8S Matador

Spoiler

The AV-8S Matador is the Spanish export variant of the AV-8A, and were bought by Thailand from Spain. They were intended to be used on the light carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, however they were not maintained long enough to see much use on it.

Armament:

• 2x integrated ADEN cannons with 260 rounds
• AIM-9
• Dumb Munitions

https://cmano-db.com/pdf/aircraft/835/

https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/hawker-siddeley-harrier

 

L-39ZA Albatros

Spoiler

The L-39 Albatros is a trainer aircraft from Czechoslovakia. The L-39ZA is a variant of the Albatros with armed training and light attack capability, with the Thai variant L-39ART using systems designed by Elbit. It is used as a light attack and trainer, although it is being replaced in this position by the T-50TH. The L-39 is designated B.KhF.1 by Thailand.

Armament:

• Integrated GSh-23 cannon with 150 rounds
• AIM-9
• Dumb Munitions

https://www.generalequipment.info/L-39_Aircraft.pdf

http://www.pamco.cz/divisions/aircraft-division/l-39c-l-39za-albatros/

 

F-86L Sabre

Spoiler

The F-86L Sabre served in the RTAF as one of its jet fighters. It is very similar to the F-86K, with 20mm cannons instead of rockets and AAM capability. Thailand was one of the only countries to receive this exact derivative of the F-86D. The F-86 was designated B.Kh17 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 4x integrated M24A1 cannons with 528 rounds
• AIM-9

https://www.travisafbaviationmuseum.org/f-86l

https://pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/north-american-f-86l/

 

Rank 5:

F-84G Thunderjet

Spoiler

The F-84G Thunderjet was the first jet fighter of the RTAF, purchased in the mid-50s. The F-84 was designated B.Kh16 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 6x integrated M3 Browning MGs with 1800 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

A-37B Dragonfly

Spoiler

The A-37B Dragonfly was a light attack derivative of the T-37 trainer. This aircraft was purchased by Thailand in the 70s for use as an attack aircraft. It was designated as B.J6 by Thailand.

Armament:

• Integrated GAU-2B/A minigun with 1200 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196046/cessna-a-37-dragonfly/

https://airwingmedia.com/downloads/cessna-a37-dragonfly-t37-tweet-pdf-ebook-flight-manuals/

https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-a-37-dragonfly-in-vietnam/

 

Rank 4:

OV-10C Bronco

Spoiler

The OV-10C Bronco was the export derivative of the OV-10A. It was purchased by Thailand just before the A-37, and was designated as the B.J5. It would have the unique distinction of being armed with AIM-9 despite being propeller driven.

Armament:

• 4x integrated M60C MGs with 2000 rounds
• AIM-9
• Dumb Munitions

https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheets/article/204576/ov-10-bronco/

https://airwingmedia.com/downloads/north-american-rockwell-ov-10-bronco-pdf-ebook-manuals/

https://mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/20-The-OV-10.pdf

 

Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

Spoiler

The Spitfire FR Mk.XIV is the same as seen in-game in the UK tech tree. It was purchased after the war alongside the reconnaissance PR.19 variants. It was designated as the B.Kh14 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 2x integrated Hispano cannons with 270 rounds and 2x M2 Browning MGs with 520 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

F8F-1 Bearcat

Spoiler

The F8F-1 Bearcat was purchased around the same time as the Spitfire as fighters for the RTAF. It was designated as the B.Kh15.

Armament:

• 4x integrated M3 Browning MGs with 1250 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

Rank 3:

SB2C-5 Helldiver

Spoiler

The SB2C-5 Helldiver was taken by the Air Force from the Navy around the same time as the purchase of the Spitfire and Bearcat as an attacker. It was designated as B.J3.

Armament:

• 2x integrated AN/M2 cannons with 400 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

Firefly Mk.I

Spoiler

The Firefly Mk.I was purchased around the same time as the Spitfire and Bearcat for use by the Royal Thai Navy, although they were taken by the RTAF instead. It was designated as B.J4.

Armament:

• 4x integrated Hispano cannons with 640 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

 

Rank 2:

Hawk 75N

Spoiler

The Hawk 75N was bought before WW2, and is the export version of the P-36 with fixed landing gear, a different engine, and 23mm underwing autocannons instead of the wing mounted MGs. It was designated B.Kh11 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 2x integrated 23mm Madsen cannons and 2x .30 MGs
• Dumb Munitions

http://www.aerofiles.com/JBcurt-75.html

https://planedave.net/2014/11/09/curtiss-hawk-75n/

 

Rank 1:

Model 139WSM

Spoiler

The Model 139WSM was the Thai export derivative of the Martin B-10 bomber, and is very similar to the 139WC currently in the Chinese tech tree. It was bought before WW2 and was designated B.Th3.

Armament:

• 3x defensive Browning MGs with 600 rounds each
• Dumb Munitions

 

68B Hawk III

Spoiler

The Curtiss 68B Hawk III is an interwar fighter, currently in-game as the Hawk III in the Chinese tech tree. It was bought before WW2 and was designated B.Kh10 by Thailand.

Armament:

• 2x integrated Browning MGs with 1200 rounds
• Dumb Munitions

 

V-93S Corsair

Spoiler

The V-93S Corsair is the export version of the Vought O3U-6 Corsair, with different weaponry and a different engine. It was manufactured locally, and was designated B.J1.

Armament:

• 2x integrated .30 MGs
• 1x defensive .30 MG
• Dumb Munitions

https://www.aviatorsdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/O3U.pdf

https://www.vought.org/products/html/v-93s.html

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20160806153702/http://www.thai-aviation.net/files/Air_Force_Summary.pdf

https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html

Edited May 16, 2022 by Epsilon160

[Headnaught 503]

Approved and open for discussion.

[Kingtiez@live 606]

+1

[CubicSquare 156]

Seeing as Japan already has a large number of WW2 aircraft, I don't know if a full subtree could work. Interesting aircraft like the P-36 variant could be sprinkled in at lower tiers, but for the most part space only shows up for the subtree post WW2. That being said, I still support adding this stuff in game. It looks too cool to pass up. +1

[コタリ 2,733]

+1 to give Japan some guided A2G munitions and fill in some mid tier attackers that it's currently lacking.

Edited May 16, 2022 by AnimeThighs

[oom1992 649]

+ I'm from thailand and like a long awaited, not bad subtree nation for japan because jet aircraft rank VII carry guided A2G, missing Alpha Jet A, F-5A, F-5C, F-16A Block 15 ADF & F-16A Block 15 OCU but not sure T-33A Shooting Star add to rank V too ?

Edited May 16, 2022 by oom1992

[Fireraid233 4,274]

Not sure how I feel about Japan having a Gripen in the TT but I am all for some kind of sub tree for Japan especially for top tier that bring guided munitions to the table. +1

[コタリ 2,733]

1 hour ago, oom1992 said:

T-33A Shooting Star add to rank V too ?

A RTAF T-33A wouldn't add much since Japan can just have their version.

Spoiler

 

[NotKringe 227]

+0

 

I'm fine with adding an actual unique variant of the vehicle, but....

 

Japanese lower-tier is already packed with WW2 stuff, so I don't think adding the Allied aircraft Thailand purchased post-war is a good idea. Meanwhile, most of the proposed high-tier vehicles were just a copy-paste or very minor variant of other existing vehicles. Especially if it's one of the "upcoming" top tier stuff of other nations like Gripen.

 

So, I think we should've add an actual interesting variant of the vehicle like F-86L, F-5T/TH, or a modified trainer attackers instead of copy-paste to reduce redundantcy.

 

(p.s. Is it only me, or that there is a sudden resurgence of Thai sub-tree on the suggestion forum recently?) 

[oom1992 649]

55 minutes ago, AnimeThighs said:

A RTAF T-33A wouldn't add much since Japan can just have their version.

Reveal hidden contents

 

OK, I wonder F-16A Block 15 ADF for thai carry AIM-9 & AIM-7 variants ? 
 

Spoiler

 

Edited May 16, 2022 by oom1992

[Epsilon160 270]

8 hours ago, oom1992 said:

+ I'm from thailand and like a long awaited, not bad subtree nation for japan because jet aircraft rank VII carry guided A2G, missing Alpha Jet A, F-5A, F-5C, F-16A Block 15 ADF & F-16A Block 15 OCU but not sure T-33A Shooting Star add to rank V too ?

Many of those aircraft could be added, although the tree may have to be split, or they could just be foldered (I forgot about folders). They're just not there because the ranks would be too big, but F-5A and F-5C could easily folder with F-5E, F-5T could easily folder with F-5TH, F-16 OCU and ADF could folder with F-16 MLU or T-50TH, and Alpha Jet could just be put in as another Rank 6 or as the premium. I generally didn't look too much at the non-LIFT trainers because there were already a lot of combat-capable fighters.

 

I think MLU can carry Sparrows, I just forgot Sparrows existed.

 

 

6 hours ago, NotKringe said:

Japanese lower-tier is already packed with WW2 stuff, so I don't think adding the Allied aircraft Thailand purchased post-war is a good idea.

 

So, I think we should've add an actual interesting variant of the vehicle like F-86L, F-5T/TH, or a modified trainer attackers instead of copy-paste to reduce redundantcy.

WW2 stuff is mainly there to provide representation for Siam without having duplicates from other Japan lines in the tree, Hawk 75N is the only one I'm too interested in, looks like it has bombs on it, and also has the 23mm Madsen cannon modification that isn't on any of the other P-36 variants already in-game, so could be a nice little low tier strike fighter.

 

Thai modifications could easily fill the modern CAS gap with the tree itself having little gaps (L-39ART [internally different from L-39ZA] -> F-5T [90s mod, Python 3 capability I think] -> T-50TH -> T-5TH), the other ones are there less to fill the gap and more for more RTAF representation, they could be cut if the tree was to only contain more unique modifications.

Edited May 16, 2022 by Epsilon160

[rrnate 58]

The lower ranks would feel very out of place in the Japanese tree, but rank 5, 6 and 7 fit well and could really help bolster the tree.

[CubicSquare 156]

If they ever equipped gunpods, perhaps the Tandem TAV8S trainer could be added instead of the regular AV8S to increase the variety.

Also, they could give it this sick Spanish livery as a GE camo.

[Epsilon160 270]

22 hours ago, CubicSquare said:

If they ever equipped gunpods, perhaps the Tandem TAV8S trainer could be added instead of the regular AV8S to increase the variety.

Also, they could give it this sick Spanish livery as a GE camo.

There's a picture of TAV-8S with the integrated gunpod, but nothing with live munitions, just dummy bombs and drop tanks. The thing could be differentiated by the fact that it had access to AIM-9L, but that may not be too good an idea considering AIM-9G on the AV-8A is already a bit annoying, although maybe it could end up at a high enough BR with AIM-9L where it already faces all-aspect in the form of SARH. I wish Thailand had bought those Sea Harriers for their carrier, would be a nice anti-ground aircraft with Martel.

Edited May 18, 2022 by Epsilon160

[CubicSquare 156]

13 minutes ago, Epsilon160 said:

There's a picture of TAV-8S with the integrated gunpod, but nothing with live munitions, just dummy bombs and drop tanks. The thing could be differentiated by the fact that it had access to AIM-9L, but that may not be too good an idea considering AIM-9G on the AV-8A is already a bit annoying, although maybe it could end up at a high enough BR with AIM-9L where it already faces all-aspect in the form of SARH. I wish Thailand had bought those Sea Harriers for their carrier, would be a nice starter for TV munitions with Martel.

Ah rip. Well at least the Regular AV8S is something!

[Milocat 4,855]

+1 for either Japan or a future ASEAN something.

[oom1992 649]

On 16/05/2022 at 18:40, Epsilon160 said:

Many of those aircraft could be added, although the tree may have to be split, or they could just be foldered (I forgot about folders). They're just not there because the ranks would be too big, but F-5A and F-5C could easily folder with F-5E, F-5T could easily folder with F-5TH, F-16 OCU and ADF could folder with F-16 MLU or T-50TH, and Alpha Jet could just be put in as another Rank 6 or as the premium. I generally didn't look too much at the non-LIFT trainers because there were already a lot of combat-capable fighters.

 

I think MLU can carry Sparrows, I just forgot Sparrows existed.

 

 

WW2 stuff is mainly there to provide representation for Siam without having duplicates from other Japan lines in the tree, Hawk 75N is the only one I'm too interested in, looks like it has bombs on it, and also has the 23mm Madsen cannon modification that isn't on any of the other P-36 variants already in-game, so could be a nice little low tier strike fighter.

 

Thai modifications could easily fill the modern CAS gap with the tree itself having little gaps (L-39ART [internally different from L-39ZA] -> F-5T [90s mod, Python 3 capability I think] -> T-50TH -> T-5TH), the other ones are there less to fill the gap and more for more RTAF representation, they could be cut if the tree was to only contain more unique modifications.

Or possibly thai aircraft move combine with other countries in asean tech tree by not related to main countries for war thunder ?

[Borotovas 4,500]

+1

 

This could be a mini tech tree that is by itself.

[不是很能抗压 1,265]

+1 but not for Japan

[AVROVULCANXH558 349]

+1 for Japan or an ASEAN tree

[Colerend 225]

+1 for Japan. Thailand would help with the removal of the R2Y2 family of jets.

[Poi_ship 4]

+1 we need CAS JET for japannnnnnnnnnnn ?

[EMD_SD70M 2]

+1, I'd absolutely love to have that 23mm armed Hawk, that would be absolutely nuts at low tier even with the weight and drag penalties compared to a 75A