Boeing has completed the maiden flight of the Royal Thai Army’s future AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopter in Mesa, Arizona.
The activity aligns with a US foreign military sale ordering eight AH-6s for the Asian country.
Following the test, the aerospace company will provide training for the fleet’s future pilots at the site and at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground.
Lessons will focus on the aircraft’s controls as well as its “versatile” mission capabilities.
‘Superior’ Helicopters for Bangkok
Boeing received a $103.8-million contract to deliver the Little Birds to Thailand in February 2022.
In addition to the aircraft, Bangkok will receive training solutions, support equipment, technical publications, and spare parts.
Shipment of the entire package is expected to be completed by May 2025.
“With its superior performance and flexible, easily configurable mission equipment, the Little Bird packs enormous versatility into a small, combat-proven package to get the job done,” Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs VP Christina Upah stated.
“We are proud to partner with the US Army to provide Thailand with these critical defense capabilities, and we look forward to supporting training for the first Thai Little Bird pilots in the near future.”
Before the deal in 2022, Thailand requested to acquire a separate batch of AH-6s from the US in 2019 at $400 million.
The earlier platforms were reportedly ordered to replace the Royal Thai Army’s aging AH-1F Cobra fleet developed by Bell.
Boeing’s AH-6 Little Bird
The AH-6 Little Bird is equipped with rockets, miniguns, heavy machine guns, and laser-guided anti-tank and anti-air missiles.
It measures 10 meters (33 feet) long, has a wingspan of 8 meters (26 feet), and can accommodate up to five personnel.
The helicopter is powered by a turboshaft engine providing approximately 400 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 233 kilometers (145 miles) per hour, a service ceiling of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), and a range of 331 kilometers (206 miles) per hour.
