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Boeing Completes First Flight of Thailand's AH-6 Little Bird Light Attack Helicopter.
On August 22, 2024, Boeing successfully conducted the first flight of the Royal Thai Army’s first AH-6 Little Bird helicopter. This inaugural flight, which took place at the company’s site in Mesa, Arizona, marks an important milestone in the production of eight AH-6 attack helicopters ordered by Thailand. This project is part of the country’s effort to modernize its national defense aviation capabilities.
Boeing AH-6 Little Bird Light Attack Helicopter (Picture source: Boeing)
The AH-6 Little Bird, designed to offer exceptional operational flexibility, features a purpose-built military fuselage and an integrated cockpit equipped with the latest weapons technology. “The Little Bird, with its outstanding performance and configurable mission equipment, offers considerable versatility in a compact, battle-proven package,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs at Boeing and executive site director in Mesa.
Boeing, in partnership with the U.S. Army, is prepared to support the training of the first Thai pilots of this model. The training will take place in Mesa and at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, where pilots will learn to fully leverage the mission capabilities of this light attack helicopter.
Thailand's acquisition of the AH-6 Little Bird, part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement signed in February 2022, aims to enhance the country’s air readiness while modernizing its national defense capabilities. The contract includes not only the delivery of eight helicopters but also the provision of spare parts, training devices, support equipment, and technical publications for the Thai customer.
With a presence in Thailand for over 60 years, Boeing continues to strengthen its relationship with the country, including through its offices in Bangkok and its support for various projects such as STEM education and programs for people with disabilities. This partnership reflects Boeing’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development and the modernization of defense in Thailand while reinforcing its ties with the local aerospace industry.
The AH-6 Little Bird helicopter stands out for its technical performance and versatility on the battlefield. It has a maximum cruising speed of 126 knots, equivalent to approximately 233 km/h, and can cover a maximum distance of 179 nautical miles, or 331 kilometers. Its maximum flight duration is 2.1 hours, providing exceptional endurance for extended missions. Capable of climbing at an impressive rate of 2,162 feet per minute, the AH-6 can reach a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, enabling it to operate at high altitudes.
The AH-6 also boasts several key technical features. Its unmatched power-to-weight ratio allows it to excel in demanding environments, including high-temperature and high-altitude conditions. The aircraft benefits from a combat-proven design that ensures robustness and high survivability. It is equipped with an integrated digital communications suite, facilitating mission-related information exchange. Its fully integrated cockpit simplifies pilot workload, allowing them to focus on tactical aspects of the mission.
The AH-6 benefits from ongoing modernization efforts on the AH-64 Apache, further enhancing its operational capabilities. Additionally, this helicopter is capable of rapid transition from an attack configuration to troop insertion, demonstrating unparalleled flexibility on the battlefield.