Posted on 08/09/2017 11:59:28 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The Thai Royal Air Force (TRAF) is enhancing the readiness of its fleet via an upgrade package that will transform four F-5E Tigers into bonafide F-5T Super Tigers.
The warplanes will receive Python-4 and I Derby beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapons, new radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities and "network-centric capabilities for disaster preparedness," the Air Force said in an August 2 announcement.
Converting F-5Es into F-5Ts began in 2014 when the government authorized funds to upgrade 10 of the fighter-bombers, the Diplomat reported on August 8.
Thai "F-5E fighter aircraft have been in service since 1978 and [are] considered a third-generation plane with limited capabilities," the service said. "With outdated technology, you cannot face current threats," the announcement noted.
Renovations will transform the jets into 4/4.5-generation aircraft, the service claimed, placing the jets on par with RTAF’s Lockheed F-16A/B Fighting Falcons and Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen warplanes.
The aim of the $96 million project is to extend the planes’ useful life by 15 years, RTAF added.
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A friend occupies one side of a hangar at the St. Augustine Florida airport. The other half is occupied by a group renovating 20 of these. There are five of them there right now. Grumman is also a big presence there as well as it is the manufacturing and maintenance refit facility for the Hawkeye.
http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/E2CHawkeye2000/Pages/default.aspx
if the US would have bought just 100 Tigers it would have opened the market up great planes but few countries are willing to buy a plane the US doesn't fly, damn shame...
Better a couple of dozen single-engine F-20s than one Raptor.
Same electronics—and quantity has a quality all its own.
What?!
The F-20 was an 80s era fighter designed as an export replacement for the F-16. Nobody wanted it because the F-16 was superior in every way.
Comparing it to the F-22 Raptor is strange?
“Same electronics”
*snort* Good one!
Electronics can never be the same. Sure, you can upgrade the F-20 with a newer radar but its nose is far smaller than most contemporaries, leave alone the Raptor, which means you can’t stuff a fat radar in it.
Neither can you improve its payload beyond a point given its size and design limitations.
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