Thai Gripens land on highways and looking back at Operation Chopper
JAS39 Gripen pilots demonstrate their highway skills and remembering the first helicopter assault of the Vietnam War
"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
– Grover C. Norwood, USAF (Retired)
Mission Briefing:
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is preparing for a pivotal evaluation of the Saab JAS39 Gripen fighter jet in February, testing the aircraft’s ability to take off and land on public highways. This ambitious trial aims to validate the Gripen’s potential as a replacement for the RTAF’s ageing F-16 fleet, focusing on its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities and dispersed operations performance.
Why the Gripen?
The Saab JAS39 Gripen isn’t just a fighter jet; it’s a product of Cold War ingenuity. Built for Sweden’s “Bas 90” strategy, it was designed to operate from dispersed airbases or even makeshift runways like roads to avoid being neutralized by surprise attacks. Key to its success are its canards, which provide additional lift at low speeds, enabling the Gripen to take off from as little as 500 meters of road and land in just 600 meters, even on highways as narrow as 16 meters wide.
Maintenance Made Simple
Saab also prioritized ease of operation. The Gripen boasts features like hot refueling, rapid Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) swaps, and internal systems that notify pilots of maintenance needs. Remarkably, a small team of conscripts can re-arm, refuel, and relaunch the jet in minutes. The aircraft is even capable of self-towing to maintenance locations and executing tight U-turns on roads, making it highly adaptable for scenarios where traditional airbases are compromised.
What’s Next for Thailand?
The RTAF’s upcoming highway test will be a first, though the Swedish Air Force has long demonstrated the Gripen’s prowess in similar operations, including take-offs from 400 meters and landings on 500 meters of road. If successful, this capability could solidify the Gripen’s position as the leading candidate for replacing the F-16, especially with tacit support from Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Beyond its performance, Saab is engaging in discussions with the RTAF to offer technology transfer as part of the potential deal. A final decision on whether the Gripen will join the RTAF’s ranks is expected in 2025, with the addition of a Gripen squadron poised to significantly enhance Thailand’s air combat capabilities.
This Week in Aviation History
Operation Chopper: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam
12 January 1962: Operation Chopper marked the first helicopter assault of the Vietnam War, setting a precedent for the era's modern combat tactics. Thirty-three U.S. Army CH-21C Shawnee transport helicopters lifted 1,036 ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) soldiers into battle against a Việt Cộng stronghold, located roughly 10 miles west of Saigon. The operation aimed to secure a strategic position in the ongoing conflict, using a small, tree-surrounded landing zone of just 150 by 300 yards as its entry point.
Central to the mission's execution was the CH-21C Shawnee, affectionately nicknamed the "Flying Banana" for its distinctive curved fuselage. This tandem rotor helicopter, designed by the Piasecki Helicopter Company, was originally developed for the U.S. Air Force to support airbase operations in extreme cold climates. Its design featured counter-rotating rotors, which eliminated the need for a tail rotor and allowed for greater stability and control.
Technical Highlights
The CH-21C was powered by a Wright R-1820-103 nine-cylinder radial engine, capable of producing 1,425 horsepower during takeoff. This powerplant enabled the helicopter to reach speeds of up to 127 mph and achieve a service ceiling of 19,200 feet. Its maximum range was 265 miles, making it ideal for medium-range transport missions. With a crew of three, including one or two gunners, it could carry up to 20 soldiers under optimal conditions, though Southeast Asia’s heat and humidity often reduced its troop capacity to nine.
Measuring 86 feet, 4 inches long (with rotors turning), the Shawnee's tandem rotor design was an engineering marvel. The counter-rotating rotors—44 feet in diameter—allowed the aircraft to efficiently manage torque and improve lift, especially critical in combat situations. However, its performance was hindered by the region's challenging climate, and its capabilities were soon outmatched by newer helicopters.
Legacy
Operation Chopper underscored the pivotal role helicopters would play in Vietnam, from troop deployment to medevac missions. While the CH-21C was innovative for its time, it was soon replaced by the more versatile Bell UH-1 Iroquois ("Huey") starting in 1964. By 1965, the heavy-lift CH-47 Chinook took over many of the Shawnee’s roles, retiring the "Flying Banana" from service.
Despite its limitations, the CH-21C Shawnee earned a place in history as a pioneer of air mobility and the first helicopter to spearhead an assault in a conflict that would forever change the face of warfare.
In Case You Missed It
More on the Gripen, Thailand, and the Lightning:
Photo Outlet
Over the next year I will be releasing some of the best photos I took at the airshow, here is the next series:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
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-Tog