Aircraft-towing operation from Donmueang Air Base to Jesada Technik Musuem for youth learning and recreation.

This aircraft is NAMC YS-11, the first Japanese passenger aircraft built by Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC), a Japanese consortium. NAMC designed a low-winged twin-turboprop monoplane seating 60 passengers. Although the aircraft was mainly designed and manufactured in Japan, the engines were built by Rolls-Royce. Electronic equipment, avionics, mechanical and fuselage components were supplied by Japanese companies and foreign suppliers during the YS-11’s production lifetime.  

This aircraft is NAMC YS-11, the first Japanese passenger aircraft built by Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC), a Japanese consortium. NAMC designed a low-winged twin-turboprop monoplane seating 60 passengers. Although the aircraft was mainly designed and manufactured in Japan, the engines were built by Rolls-Royce. Electronic equipment, avionics, mechanical and fuselage components were supplied by Japanese companies and foreign suppliers during the YS-11’s production lifetime.  

182 were produced in total during the year 1962 – 1974, of which 82 were exported to 15 countries. (According to Wikipedia) 

YS is the abbreviation of “Yu-so, Sae-kae-ei” meaning transport and plan respectively. Air Phoenix, a small airliner from Thailand purchased one aircraft in 2008 and unfortunately the airlines closed down in 2009. The aircraft was later kept at the air base of Donmueang. Jesada Technik Museum subsequently acquired the plane.

To move the YS-11 from Don Mueang Air Force Base to Jesada Technik Museum, the staff from a towing-vehicle company removed airscrew, wings, tail and wheels before moving. For general cases of moving retired aircraft, it needs to cut the body into pieces before reassembling at the destination but this method causes the plane defected.

This peculiar operation used 10-wheel low platform truck with 48-wheel caravan connected to carry aircraft chassis and two of 18-wheel trailer to carry the wings and the tail separately as the wheels of the aircraft were carried by 10-wheel truck with crane.

The operation launched at 3 A.M. on 19th September 2010 when the towing started moving from Don Mueang Air Force Base passing Bang Khen roundabout and crossed Rama IV Bridge to Ratchapruek Road, Pinklao-Nakorn Chai Si Road, Buddha Mondhon Line 4 and Salaya-Nakorn Chai Si Road reaching Jesada Technik Museum at Nakorn Chai Si District, Nakorn Pathom at 7 A.M.

After the air plane parts were reassembled, YS-11 became aircraft for youth learning on 4th December 2010. Late Major General Sanan Kachornprasart presided in the opening ceremony inaugural flight alongside with Late M.R. Thanadsri Sawasdiwat as a very important guest.  

The flight provides real atmosphere of travelling by passenger plane. It starts from taking picture to apply for passport and visa stamp before receiving the flight ticket and then to the check-in counter. Later on, young passenger steps through the baggage scanner before waiting for the aircraft at the departure room. On the plane, there will be young flight attendants serving snack and drink while the passengers watching emergency orientation on TV screen and listening to the pilot reporting the weather. 

The purpose of this all processes is to make the youth familiar with flying, to avoid diffidence when the real journey happens, and perhaps, to inspire their future careers.