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BAE Systems Hawk

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BAE Systems Hawk
NameBAE Systems Hawk
TypeAdvanced trainer / Light attack aircraft
ManufacturerHawker Siddeley / British Aerospace / BAE Systems
First flight21 August 1974
Introduction1976
StatusIn service
Primary userRoyal Air Force
Number built1,000+
Developed fromHawker Siddeley P.1182
Variants with their own articlesMcDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk

BAE Systems Hawk. The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer and light combat aircraft. It was originally designed and built by Hawker Siddeley in the 1970s and subsequently produced by its successor companies, British Aerospace and BAE Systems. Renowned for its reliability, low operating costs, and excellent handling characteristics, the Hawk has served as the primary advanced trainer for the Royal Air Force for decades and has been exported to numerous air forces worldwide, with over 1,000 units built.

Development and design

The Hawk was developed to meet Air Staff Target 397, a Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) requirement for a new fast jet trainer to replace the Folland Gnat. The design team at Hawker Siddeley, led by John Fozard, prioritized safety, efficiency, and performance, resulting in a tandem-seat aircraft powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine. Key design features included a high-mounted wing for good stability and a wide-track undercarriage for robust handling during training sorties. The aircraft's airframe was designed with inherent growth potential, allowing for the later development of dedicated single-seat light attack variants. The prototype, designated Hawker Siddeley P.1182, first flew from Dunsfold Aerodrome in 1974, piloted by Duncan Simpson.

Operational history

Entering service with the Royal Air Force's No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley in 1976, the Hawk T1 quickly became the cornerstone of British fast-jet pilot training. Its service was expanded with the Red Arrows aerobatic team adopting the aircraft in 1979, replacing the Folland Gnat. Beyond the United Kingdom, the Hawk achieved significant export success, with major orders from nations including Finland, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and India, where it is license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aircraft has seen combat in several conflicts, notably with the Royal Air Force in the Kosovo War and with the Kenya Air Force during operations in Somalia. Its longevity is underscored by continuous upgrades, leading to the advanced Hawk T2 for the Royal Air Force's Military Flying Training System.

Variants

Numerous variants have been developed to meet specific customer requirements. The initial production model for the Royal Air Force was the Hawk T1. A dedicated single-seat light attack version, the Hawk 60, was developed for export, featuring additional hardpoints and more powerful Adour engines. The Hawk 100 series introduced a modern glass cockpit and enhanced attack capabilities. The Hawk 200 is a single-seat multirole fighter. For the United States Navy, the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk is a carrier-capable derivative. The latest generation includes the Hawk T2 (also known as Hawk 128) for the Royal Air Force, featuring a BAE Systems Mission System and a Thales Topdeck avionics suite.

Operators

The Hawk has been operated by over 18 countries worldwide. Primary military operators include the Royal Air Force (including the Red Arrows and RAFAT), the Royal Australian Air Force (which operated the Hawk 127), and the Finnish Air Force. Other significant operators have been the Indian Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and the South African Air Force. The United States Navy operates the related McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk. Several aircraft are also in service with private contractors like Draken International for adversary air training.

Specifications (Hawk T2)

The Hawk T2 features a length of 12.4 meters and a wingspan of 9.9 meters. It is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour 951 turbofan engine, providing enhanced thrust over earlier models. The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 0.84 and a service ceiling of 44,500 feet. Its advanced avionics suite includes three Thales Topdeck multifunction displays and a Helmet-mounted display system. Armament for training and light attack roles can include a centerline gun pod, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and a variety of bombs and rockets on up to five hardpoints.

Notable appearances in media

The Hawk has a prominent presence in popular culture, most famously as the aircraft flown by the pilots in the 1986 film *Top Gun*, standing in for Northrop F-5 aggressors. It has featured in numerous other films and television series, including the BBC drama Spooks and the documentary series Jetstream (TV series). The aircraft is also a staple at international airshows, particularly as the mount of the Red Arrows, and appears in several flight simulation video games such as the Microsoft Flight Simulator series.

Category:Military aircraft