RTAF-4

The RTAF-4 Chanthra (Thai: จันทรา) was a single-engine two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft built by the Royal Thai Air Force's Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre.

RTAF-4 Chanthra
Role Trainer aircraft
National origin Thailand
Manufacturer RTAF Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre
First flight 1972
Primary user Royal Thai Air Force
Number built 12
Developed from de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

Design and development

The RTAF-4 was developed from the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk that were used by the Royal Thai Air Force. Production began in February 1971 and the prototype made its first flight on 25 September 1972. The plane, with redesigned cockpit and tail sections, had a payload of 345 kg and its maximum gross weight for aerobatics was 1,044 kg. 12 aircraft were produced, that entered into service in 1974, four of which were used as trainers for the Civil Aviation Department of the Thai Air Force.[1]

One unit has been preserved at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Don Mueang, Bangkok.[2][3]

Operators
 Thailand

Aircraft on display

Specifications

Data from ทอ.4 จันทรา

General characteristics

  • Crew: two; student & instructor
  • Length: 7.80 m (25 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.55 m (34 ft 7 in)
  • Height: 2.41 m (7 ft 11 in)
  • Empty weight: 744.5 kg (1,641 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,090 kg (2,403 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-360 , 160 kW (210 hp)
  • Propellers: two-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 258 km/h (160 mph, 139 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 225 km/h (140 mph, 121 kn)
  • Range: 1,014 km (630 mi, 548 nmi) with full passenger load
  • Ferry range: 1,720 km (1,070 mi, 930 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 365 m/s (71,900 ft/min)

See also

Related development

Related lists

References
  1. Ravindra Meta. Wat Ko Non. Aviation Observer, Bangkok 1979 (in Thai)
  2. Royal Thai Air Force Aviation Photos
  3. RTAF Museum
  4. Thai Encyclopedia - Chanthra airplane
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