By 30 Maret 2017
RTN Do-228 aircraft (photo : Jean Mc Braun)
Ruag Aviation eyes upgrading the RTN’s fleet of 7 Do-228 as well as continue support for RTAF F-5s.
Beat Betschart, Senior Manager Regional Sales Asia of Ruag Aviation from Switzerland tell TAF at LIMA 2017 that his company still hope for the Do-228 upgrade contract from the Royal Thai Navy.
“Since the airframe has unlimited service life and wings can be operated into 42,000 hours, upgrading existing Do-228 is a vatable choice with half a price compare to buying the new aircraft”
RTN operates 7 Do-228s maritime patrol aircraft for more than 20 years and equipment start to show its age in the current mission, as well as search and rescue operation.
“RTN can choose Leonardo’s SeaSpray radar or the radar of their choices as well as consider installing L-3 WESCAM EO/IR and perform the cockpit upgrade”. He also stated that his company is ready to perform the work in Thailand of requested.
Ruag Aviation restart the Do-228NG production line and book more than 19 aircraft in the order book, including the two aircraft for Bangladesh Navy.
Ruag Aviation also continue to support the fleet of RTAF’s F-5 despite losing to the Israeli company in the upgrade order.
(TAF)
