Modernizing the Aviation and Defense Sector

Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul is the director of space technology at the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Being an aerospace enthusiast, he has completed his doctoral thesis in the composite structure of aerospace engineering. He envisions to transform the aviation space of Thailand in the forthcoming years. In an exclusive interview with Aerospace and Defense Review APAC, Hongkarnjanakul shared his valuable insights on the challenges, trends and best practices in the Naval Tech space.

What are your current roles and responsibilities at GISTDA?

I currently serve as the office's director for the development of space technology with my primary duties being research and the development of Thailand's space industry.

My undergraduate degree was in aeronautical engineering from Kasetsart University, Thailand. I studied aeronautical engineering for both my master's and my PhD. My PhD focused mostly on composite structure, whereas my Masters focused primarily on aeronautical structure. Therefore, I joined GISTDA, Thailand's space technology organization, after receiving my degree.  We are a government agency, and as there are no organizations in Thailand that develops aviation technology, we advocate both space and certain aspects that are associated with aviation.

What are some of the major challenges that are prevalent in the aerospace industry right now and what are the measures to overcome those challenges?

A major challenge that the aerospace industry in Thailand would face in the future is concerning digital technology. The satellite augmented based system, a new technique for determining aircraft position, will change the way we define aircraft position. To drive this, common regulation forms must be implemented in all countries.

“Satellite augmented based system, a new technique for determining aircraft position, will change the way we define aircraft position”

Another challenge is regarding supply chain in Thailand, a developing country with over 30 companies manufacturing aircraft components. The challenge is to enlarge the Thailand markets and conquer more global markets. To achieve this, we aim to build a higher standard for automotive companies and build a leading company in Thailand to become the supplier. This involves developing a small supply chain in Thailand, expanding it to a larger community, and then focusing on the global market.

What are some of the technologies that help you advance further in the aviation space?

In the aerospace industry, Thailand has been deficient in scientific infrastructure, particularly in the testing facility. This lack of facility hinders manufacturers from reaching higher levels. Thailand built a facility to repair the parts made by aircraft manufacturers to address this problem, making the establishment of a new ecosystem of scientific infrastructure a top priority for the nation.

The second aspect of the supply chain in Thailand is drones, which are created differently from one another. In Thailand, there are hobby, camera and production drones, and while in agriculture, there are drones used to spray fertilizers and prevent pests in large fields. To govern the number of drones, the concept of UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management) has been developed, which can be categorized into fleet management and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) traffic management.

The UTM system is a new concept globally, and instead of procuring it from a large company, Thailand could develop it independently. To accomplish this, the government must coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to build and implement the system for other users. This will help Thailand maintain its competitive edge in the aerospace industry.

Would you like to offer any piece of advice to the upcoming leaders in the aerospace and defense industry?

Companies often manage their supply chain to award contracts with limited company limitations.  However, to enhance competitiveness among developing countries like Thailand, it is imperative to provide activities, such as simulations, that can be outsourced to other nations. Engineers with the necessary skills can perform these simulations in aircraft, such as safety, structure, finite element, and spread calculations. Additionally, sharing the market with countries like Thailand can provide opportunities for growth and diplomatic benefits. Consequently, if such activities are conducted in Thailand, they can benefit from local investments.