Royal Thai Air Force Museum
- Bangkok Don Muang -
I visited the interesting Royal Thai Air Force Museum at Bangkok, Don Muang Airport in January 2025.
It was a bloody hot day when I visited the Royal Thai Air Force Museum in January 2025.
The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is the largest aviation museum in Thailand.
Impressive memorial.
A F-86F Sabre, two F-5's and a F-16 blasting through the Thai sky.
Royal Thai Air Force North American F-86L Sabre with serial 1214. She was delivered to Air Force in 1952 and was struck off charge in 1970. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The F-86L was widely known informally as the "Sabre Dog".
The F-86L was an upgrade conversion of F-86D with new electronics, extended wingtips and wing leading edges, revised cockpit layout, and uprated engine.
It was a warm and beautiful January morning.
Royal Thai Air Force Lockheed RT-33A Shooting Star with serial 56142. In their trainer role 54 T-33's were delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force from 1955. They were struck off charge around 1996. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force North American F-86F Sabre with serial 4322.
"4322" is a former USAF Sabre (52-4985) on display in the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
The Royal Thai Air Force acquired 40 F-86F's which were the backbone of their fighter force in the 1960's. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
"4322" joined the Thai Air Force in 1962.
This vintage Douglas piston-engined transport forms a fitting frame for some classic jet fighters, lined up at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
Royal Thai Air Force Douglas C-47A with serial "547". She was acquired by the ThaiAF in 1972. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
This C-47A left the factory in 1943 for delivery to the USAAF as ship 42-100547. She went to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1972 and was finally withdrawn from use at Don Muang in 1991. She went to the RTAF Museum by 2002.
De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T20 with serial 24. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Obvious a De Havilland Gipsy Major 8 engine and a Cessna Tweety.
Cessna T-37B Tweety with serial RR09-13. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
SIAI-Marchetti SF-260MT with serial RR08-17. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force RFB Fantrainer with serial 40226. She was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force as an Mk. 600 in 1988 and was already struck off charge in 1994. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The RFB Fantrainer is a two-seat flight training aircraft developed and manufactured by German aircraft company Rhein-Flugzeugbau GmbH (RFB), it has been used by the Royal Thai Air Force.
Pilatus PC-9 with serial 06. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
This is of course a DHC-1 T20 Chipmunk powered by a Gipsy Major 8 engine.
Royal Thai Air Force RTAF-4 with serial 03. The RTAF-4 Chantra was primary a trainer aircraft built by the Royal Thai Air Force's Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre. This one is most probably fitted with a Lycoming horizontally opposed engine. The trainer aircraft was delivered in 1974 and was struck off charge in 1989.
Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
A Pazmany trainer aircraft with serial PL-2.
RTAF-2 (Fuji LM1 Nikko). The RTAF-2 is a single-engine training and liaison aircraft that was developed by the Royal Thai Air Force's Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre in 1957.
RTAF-5 with serial THOR5-1. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The RTAF-5 was a Thai training and forward air control aircraft developed and built by the Science & Weapon Systems Development Centre of the Royal Thai Air Force in the 1980s. Like a scaled-down OV-10 Bronco, it had a twin boom configuration and was powered by a single pusher turboprop engine. Only a single example was built. First flying was in 1984.
A preserved SIAI-Marchetti SF-260MT trainer. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force Aermacchi SF.260. She was locally built and taken on strenghtin 1973 and was struck off charge in 1999. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Cessna A-37B Dragonfly with serial 21133. Her role was of a light attack aircraft.
North American T-28D Trojan with serial 0-37661. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The RTAF operated the Trojan from 1962 to 1988 in the Close Air Support role. Some 120 aircraft came from the USAF.
Mind; - The gun pod can be seen under the wing.
"0-3766" is making good use of the shade!
Royal Thai Air Force Fairchild-Hiller AU-23A Peacemaker. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force Helio U-10B Super Courier with serial 7135. She was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1963 and was struck off charge in 1986. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Cessna O-1A Bird Dog with serial 60406. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Cessna O-1A "60415 is the closest to the lens.
Cessna O-1A Bird Dog with serial 60415/2507. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force North American F-86L Sabre with serial 1215. She was taken on strenght to Air Force in 1962. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The F-86L was an all-weather fighter. The nose radome, which earlier Sabre versions do not have, houses the radar.
Royal Thai Air Force Lockheed RT-33A Shooting Star with serial 56141. In their trainer role 54 T-33's were delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force from 1955. They were struck off charge around 1996. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The RT-33A was a single-seat reconnaissance T-Bird carrying cameras in its nose. This ship served in the Thai Air Force from 1967 until 1995.
Israel Aircraft Industries IAI-201 Arava with serial 40204. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The RTAF operated three Arava 201's on patrol duties from 1981 to 2015.
Royal Thai Air Force Beechcraft Bonanza. She was delivered in 1951 and was struck off charge in 1962. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
I would say, she is not old, she is ancient.
Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) N22B Nomad with serial 122.
"122" poses for your photographer.
I'm a VAMPIRE.
This view also accentuates the ruggedness of the GAF Nomad.
Fairchild Swearingen SA-226AT Merlin IVC with serial 60501. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Beech C-45F Expeditor. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Built for the USAAF as C-45F and sold to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1947. Transferred to the Museum in 1967.
Thailand bought six C-45F's in 1947, including this one, US serial 44-87152.
This Beechcraft is a longtime resident at Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
Royal Thai Air Force Boeing 737-2Z6 with serial 22-222. She was delivered to the ThaiAF in December 1983 and was struck off charge in 2013. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
This Boeing has spent its entire life with Royal Thai Air Force flying VIP's between South-East-Asian capitals and its Bangkok, Don Muang base.
Below the co-pilot's windows, gray water streaks flowed towards the belly.
"22-222" is preserved since October 2013 at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum at DMK.
Royal Thai Air Force Percival Prince with serial R1-1/98. Only one was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1952. She was used in a reconnaissance role and was struck off charge in 1962. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
A long-nosed survey variant of the Prince designated as the 3A, registered to the Percival Aircraft Co as G-AMNT and flown to Thailand in the early 50's. She carried out survey work for the Mapping Organisation of the Ministry of Defence until 1957.
The Baribatra was a two-seater light bomber aircraft of the 1920s designed and built by the Royal Siamese Air Force's Aeronautical Workshops. Less than 12 were built.
The Baribatra Bomber was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1927 and was struck off charge in the late 30's. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
I assume these Baribatra's are replica's.
Heat almost shimmers on the Royal Thai Air Force museum tarmac.
Royal Thai Air Force Fairchild C-123B Provider with serial 555. In total 46 Providers were delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force from 1964 and the transport planes were finally struck off charge in 1995. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
"555" is former USAF 54-555. She was sold to the Royal Thai Air Force in 1964. The Provider was withdrawn from use in 1983 and preserved at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
The starboard wing of the Provider transport forms a fitting frame for this Douglas A-1J Skyraider.
Douglas A-1J Skyraider (Construction Number 11552, U.S. Navy BuNo 142072, USAF 52-142072) at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Mueang International Airport, Thailand, in 2025.
Two great looking brutes, the Provider and the Skyraider.
This aircraft was accepted by the U.S. Navy in January 1957. It was damaged on a mission in December 1968 when she made gear-up landing at Udorn RTAF. She was then written off and put on display.
The Skyraider was developed late in World War II as a replacement for the US Navy's SBD Dauntless divebomber. In 1963, the U.S. military modified the AD-5 Skyraider for service in Vietnam as the A-1E. Its ability to carry large bomb loads, absorb heavy ground fire, and fly for long periods at low altitude made the A-1 particularly suitable for close-support missions.
The Skyraider Wright R-3350 engine could develope 2700hp which could pull it to a maximum speed of 325mph.
Our broad shouldered Skyraider on a sweltering Royal Thai Air Force Museum tarmac in January 2025.
An Anomymous Bell UH-1H was parked next to the Skyraider.
Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros with serial 41117. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatros with serial 40115. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Aero L39ZA/ART Albatros with serial 41103. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Cessna A-37B Dragonfly (318E) with serial 21133 is a light attack aircraft. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet A with serial 23144. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Vietnam Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis with serial 5202 at display at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
F-5 Freedom Fighter with serial 21134.
Tail only C-47A (c/n. 18999) with serial 100536.
General Dynamics F-16B Fighting Falcon with serial 87-0404. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Northrop F-5T Tiger II with serial 2119. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
A very old looking North American T-6 Texan stands alongside an Fairchild 24J, as part of the impressive Royal Thai Air Foce Museum collection.
A Fantrainer graveyard can only be found at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
The Royal Thai Air Force did operate the FT400 and FT600 versions of the Fantrainer, using it to train ab initio pilots who then went on to fly the Northrop F-5E fighter aircraft.
In the background RFB Fantrainer with serial 12.
Pfffff..... a morning temperature of 35 degrees centigrade!
Seen here, in the shade of a tree, is a Pilatus PC-9 with serial 02. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
North American T-6F Texan with serial 2244.
A very scruffy and weathered Texan.
This Texan clearly has been standing outside a long time without any attention to her well-being!
Found this piece of history at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum. Unfortunately this Fairchild Model 24J is hanging on by its teeth, hopefully it will receive a bit of attention by the museum staff.
This Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver is looking magnificent in the Bangkok sun.
Six Helldivers were delivered April 1951 to the Thai Navy.
A shiny Grumman G-44 Widgeon.
Some seriously fascinating stuff at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
Five Widgeons were operated by the RTAF from 1952 until 1956. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Royal Thai Air Force Aeritalia G.222 with serial 60312. She was one of six delivered to the ThaiAF in 1995 and was struck off charge in 2012. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The G-222 is very similar to the C-123 Provider.
In 1995, Thailand acquired 14 A-7E's and 4 TA-7C trainers from the US Navy. After being inspected and repaired at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, they were delivered to Thailand for coastal defense and sea patrol duties. They were used by the Thai Navy's 104th "White Shark" squadron of 1st Wing, based at U-Tapao International Airport in Pataya, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok, which is a former B-52 base from the Vietnam era, now a Royal Thai Navy Station.
Royal Thai Navy Vought A-7E with serial 1411/160563. The attact bomber was delivered to the Navy in 1995 and was struck off charge around 2007. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Hawker Siddeley AV-8S Matador with serial 3109. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Two Lockheed F-5's present in a latent or barely discernible state, no longer presenting a threat.
A robust looking Fairey Firefly FR1 with serial SF11. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
To either side of the radiator scoop are ducts for airflow to the carburettor for the 1,735 h.p. Griffon. Also clearly visible is the wide wheel track that gave good stability for carrier decks.
The RTAF operated ten Mk. 1 and two T.2 trainers from 1951-59.
Supermarine 379 Spitfire. She was delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force as an Mk. FR14E in 1951 and was struck off charge in 1955. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
This North American T-6 Texan started her career with the United States Air Force (s/n 51-14666).
Royal Thai Air Force North American OV-10C Bronco with serial 41110.
Royal Thai Air Force Pacific Aerospace CT/4A Airtrainer with serial 60442/20.
Cessna T-41D Mescalero with serial 60431/1662.
Royal Thai Air Force Pacific Aerospace CT/4A Airtrainer with serial 60432/01.
Cessna T-41D Mescalero with serial 60420/8966.
Rhein-Flugzugbau RFB-400 Fantrainer with serial 4001. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
The ducted fan integrated into the fuselage is clearly visible in the picture.
Pilatus PC-9 with serial 10. Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Muang Airport, Bangkok. January 2025.
Splendid Royal Thai Air Force family portrait.
From left to right: Sikorsky H-19A (S-55B), Sikorsky S-58T and a Hiller.
From left to right: Bell 206 Jetranger, Bell 212 Twin two Twelve, Bell UH-1H and a Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw.
From left to right: Bell UH-1H, Kaman HH-43B Huskie and a Westland WS-51 Dragonfly.
From left to right: ?, Westland WS-51 Dragonfly and a Bell OH-13 Sioux.
Royal Thai Air Force Republic F-84G Thunderjet with serial 4314 is safely tucked away in the Royal Thai Air Force Museum at Don Muang Air Base near Don Muang Airport, Bangkok.
From left to right: Northrop F-5B Freedom Feighter, T-33 Shooting Star, Grumman F8F Bearcat and a Vought V-93S Corsair.
From left to right: Saab JAS 39A Gripen, Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter, General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon, F-5 and a RT-33A.
- The End -