Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 (edited) Hi everyone, it's been a while since I contributed to Observation Hill. I am still alive and kicking, thank you. Here are some recent pictures to share.... PART 1 : ROYAL THAI ARMY OPEN HOUSE This was held at the Royal Thai Army HQ in the heart of BKK. Only a couple of helicopters to see, still quite a rare sighting for me. I'll skip the ground military stuff as this is an aviation forum. Lots of M41,Scorpions,Hummers etc etc/ Edited January 28, 2010 by Kwek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 PART II - ROYAL THAI NAVY OPEN HOUSE @ U-Tapao Airfield U-Tapao is close to Pattaya and is approx a 2.5 hour drive from BKK. This was the highlight of my trip. This year proved to exceptional - an almost complete turnout of the Royal Thai Navy aircraft types - save for the S-76. The main entrance The crowd...oh yes, umbrellas at airshows...also taking cover under aircraft too. Plenty of stalls doing a roaring trade...including model kits. It's a big event! Balloons annoucing the opening of the Open House. Me On a vantage point overlooking the apron. See the families reserving pinic space under the Harrier? Damn, its only about 8.30 am and they have beaten me to it :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chaity 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Wow Kwek, very carnival like events. You got VIP pass to that vantage point for the Royal Thai Navy Open House ? What a splendid morning too to click-click all the aircraft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 No lah Chaity, its a free for all. I was on top of a fire tender!!! Yes, it was a perfect day for photography. :-) Wow Kwek, very carnival like events. You got VIP pass to that vantage point for the Royal Thai Navy Open House ? What a splendid morning too to click-click all the aircraft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Wow,Royal Thai Navy is the only operator of the Harrier jumpjet in SE Asia,am i right? Looking forward for more photos,Uncle Kwek! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 First stop: the "dormant" aircraft, which was one of the main objectives. A-7E (104 Squadron) For sure the A-7 is not in a flyable condition. However they are towed out every year for the Open House. I hope to see the TA-7C one day. The Short Little Ugly Fella looking good! The A-7 is popular as it provides lots of shade..... uncle, auntie, excuse me ah, can siam little bit? I want take photo pzzzee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chaity 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 No lah Chaity, its a free for all. I was on top of a fire tender!!! Yes, it was a perfect day for photography. :-) He He ! Make sure you know how to operate in case of fire. Those uncle and auntie sure laughing at this tall guy taking many photos. They must be saying : Oui! Never see aircraft before ah ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 (edited) AV-8S (301 Squadron) This squadron of Harriers used to operate from the Thai carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet. The lack of funds led to a grounding of the Harrier fleet but I was told that one TAV-8C is kept in a "close to flyable condition". Having gotten a dark grey Harrier at the last visit, I was most happy to see this scheme. Yes, see through - no engine. Note the Thais who will rest underneath the aircraft........it's the same at the RTAF Open house. The Harrier is one of my favourite jet aircraft - sorry for the overdose - got a lot more but I think I will move on..... Edited January 28, 2010 by Kwek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Wah,A-7 Corsair II,one of my favourite military aircraft Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Hi Tamizi, Yes, they are the only one to have the Harrier. Thai military aviation is facinating as there have a wide variety of aircraft types. Enjoy the pictures! Wow,Royal Thai Navy is the only operator of the Harrier jumpjet in SE Asia,am i right? Looking forward for more photos,Uncle Kwek! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Waiping 12 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Thai got aircraft carrier? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Thai got aircraft carrier? Yes,only one;HTMS Chakri Naruebet.You can check out the link posted by Uncle Kwek. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 DO-228-212 (101 Squadron) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T Azahan 1 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Kwek bro. Many thanx for the upload. I didnt know Thai had harrier. And thank u to include those nose shots. Hahaha..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pieter C. 5 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Wow, Kwek, excellent shots and very favourable weather somemore... Is this always taking place in January ? Next time, please, give me a heads-up, as always wanted to 'do' the RTAF/Navy Open Day some day... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 P-3T (102 Sqn) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2010 Cessna 337 (103 Sqn) I have always been facinated by this unique pull-push propeller aircraft. Finally I get see it AND to seat in the cockpit! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted January 29, 2010 Wow, for one, Thai is a hardcore US Military hardware fan! More more more!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg Wood 3 Report post Posted January 30, 2010 Kwek, Please remove or re-position your watermark on your images. It's spoiling your images and you cant appreciate the aircraft for what they're are. Personally I hate waterwarks:- Photos of aircraft should be enjoyed by all without having to view them through watermarks or Tags; if however they are magazine quality or the alike then thats different, but clearly some of yours wernt. Just worth thinking about. Cheers Greg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 Greg, Please look elsewhere. The pictures are not for you. Kwek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 No more ah? More lah... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericp 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 Nice pics, more please! @Greg ... there's a good reason for the watermarks, and one word sums it up ... "leech". I've had images stolen and used commercially, problem is that there is no way to police it. And I'd rather view images with watermarks like these than not have people sharing. But that's strictly a personal opinion, of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwek 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 Coming up soon, - need time to ensure sedikit kualiti. No more ah? More lah... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted January 31, 2010 Haha.. just as long as they are more, I dont complain hahaha.. the quality good enough already.. unless you want to kill two bird wif one stone (mwings+a.net) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Faridz Mohd Yunus 0 Report post Posted February 2, 2010 (edited) Very nice Kwek...keep em coming!! Edited February 2, 2010 by Mohd Faridz Mohd Yunus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites