The MAphotoSG team once again returned to Thailand for this year’s National Children’s Day (Thai: Wan Dek) Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Open House. Travelling almost 4 hours northeast of Bangkok, the team visited Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, located in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand’s largest province by square area. The provincial capital is the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat (Thai: Khorat).
The air base was a key front-line facility of the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1975. In the 1980s and early 1990s, it was jointly operated together with the RTAF as a civil airport for Nakhon Ratchasima, until the Nakhon Ratchasima Airport was opened in 1994. The 1st RTAF Wing is based at Korat, consisting of 102 and 103 Squadrons, equipped with F-16As and F-16Bs, and a detachment of UH-1Hs from 203 Squadron, Wing 2, based at Lopburi RTAF Base.
Commander, RTAF Wing 1, taking the salute prior to the start of the Open House
Wing 1 mascots greeting children during the celebrations
An F-16A Fighting Falcon of 103 Squadron taxis for take off
An F-16B ADF Fighting Falcon of 102 Squadron takes-off for its display routine
An F-16A ADF Fighting Falcon of 102 Squadron takes-off for its display routine
The F-16A Centennial Falcon of 103 Squadron performs a bank over the flightline after take off
The underside of the Centennial Falcon features a plan view design of the Nieuport II, RTAF’s first fighter aircraft
The Centennial Falcon performs an inverted flight flypast
Smokewinders mounted on the wingtips highlight the agility of the aircraft during the demonstration
The trio of 102 Squadron Fighting Falcons perform a Vic Formation flypast
The Fighting Falcons break into the landing pattern as they fly over the runway
The Fighting Falcons taxi back in formation after landing
The Centennial Falcon pilot exits to cheers and applause from the flightline spectators
The F-16A ADF of 102 Squadron taxis back onto the flightline after landing
F-16A ADFs of 102 Squadron taxi back onto the flightline after landing
The H225M Caracal takes off to begin its demonstration routine
The H225M Caracal shows off its agility in a series of tactical turns
RTAF Special Operations Regiment troopers rappel from the H225M Caracal
RTAF Special Operations Regiment troopers approach the spectator line after a successful rappel
RTAF Special Operations Regiment troopers giving out toys to children among the spectators
The H225M Caracal taxis into the flightline after landing
Flight crew of the H225M Caracal
RTAF pilots giving out souvenirs to spectactors after the display
A Centennial Falcon ground crew prepares the Smokewinder for the afternoon demonstration routine
Ground crew perform a pre-flight inspection in preparation for the afternoon display routine
Centennial Falcon ground crew perform final pre-flight checks
The Centennial Falcon team prepares for the afternoon display routine
The F-16A ADF pilot signals for an engine start to the ground crew
A static F-16A from 103 Squadron
F-16 Fighting Falcons of 102 and 103 Squadrons stand ready along the flightline
A static JAS 39C Gripen from 701 Squadron, based in Surat Thani RTAF Base
Visitors taking photos with troopers and equipment from the RTAF Special Operations Regiment
Rheinmetall Mauser MK 30mm Model F twin barrel anti-aircraft artillery
Oerlikon Skyguard 3 Fire Control Unit system
Polaris Industries MRZR 2 ultra-light tactical vehicle
A child visitor poses with the Lockheed Martin ADATS (Air Defense Anti Tank System)
F-16 Fighting Falcon payload static display
F-16 cockpit simulator trainer
RTAF personnel presenting toys to children during a Wan Dek celebration event
Game stalls and carnival rides were set up within the base perimeter for the event
Food stalls set up within the base perimeter
Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star gate guardian inside Korat RTAF Base