Thailand is planning a structural upgrade for 16 Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs with kits provided by the manufacturer and installed by a new local company.
Government-owned Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) has been selected to lead the service life extension project and has contracted Lockheed Martin to supply the components. The government formed TAI at Korat air base, using resources and personnel previously allocated to the air force's in-house depot maintenance organisation.
Thai air force sources say TAI has already taken over maintenance of Thailand's Lockheed Martin C-130 transport fleet, including overhauls formerly performed outside the country. TAI has also begun maintaining other small transports and will gradually take over maintenance of all air force aircraft, while also seeking international business.
Industry sources say F-16A/B Falcon Up upgrade kits will be delivered by Lockheed Martin late next year. Initial engineering work, with technical support provided to TAI by a not-yet selected Western firm, will begin in the next few months with funds allocated in the budget for fiscal year 2005.
The upgrade will extend by 4,000h the service lives of 16 F-16A/Bs that are approaching their initial 4,000h structural life limit. So far Thailand has committed to upgrade only one of its three F-16 squadrons because the second is not yet approaching 4,000h and the third comprises ex-US aircraft that went through the Falcon Up upgrade before delivery in 2002-3.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
