RTAF-4

RTAF-4 Chanthra
General information
TypeTrainer aircraft
National origin
Thailand
ManufacturerRTAF Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre
Primary userRoyal Thai Air Force
Number built12
History
First flight1972
Developed from
de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk


The RTAF-4 Chanthra (Thai: จันทรา), officially designated B.ThO.4 (Thai: บ.ทอ.๔) and later B.F.17 (Thai: บ.ฝ.๑๗), is a single-engine two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft built by the Royal Thai Air Force's Science and Weapon Systems Development Centre.

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.

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

Operators

 Thailand

Aircraft on display

Specifications

Data from ทอ.4 จันทรา

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ "Thai Military Aircraft Designations". designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2025-03-18.
  2. ↑ Ravindra Meta. Wat Ko Non. Aviation Observer, Bangkok 1979 (in Thai)
  3. ↑ "RTAF Museum" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-10-21. Retrieved 2015-01-04.
  4. ↑ Thai Encyclopedia - Chanthra airplane