BAE Systems and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd unveiled an improved version of the BAE Hawk Mk132 trainer aircraft dubbed the "Advanced ...
BAE Systems and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd unveiled an improved version of the BAE Hawk Mk132 trainer aircraft dubbed the "Advanced Hawk' at the concluded Aero India 2017 air show in Bangalore, India.
The upgrade enable the Advanced Hawk to shoulder training's that are currently carried out on more expensive frontline fighter jets, saving their precious flight hours hence creating additional capacity for operational missions along with reduction in flight training costs.
The cockpit improvements include large area display technology, digital head-up-display, ground proximity warning system, data-link, autopilot and traffic collision avoidance system.
Structural modifications include a new HAL manufactured wing with active slat and combat flap for fighter like handling. Features are similar to the BAE Systems Hawk T2 trainer operated by British Royal Air Force.
Flight systems improvements include the addition of aerial refueling capability, nose wheel steering, enhanced braking and onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS).
Powering the Advanced Hawk will be a increased thrust variant of the Rolls Royce Adour Mk951 engine equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
It is also equipped with a Defensive Aid System that include a Radar Warning Receiver and counter measure dispensing system.
Improvement in combat training include the new wingtip stations for air to air missiles in addition to the four under wing hardpoints, and laser designation pod.
Operated by 24 countries, the Hawk Mk132 is currently license produced by HAL in India, under a contract to supply 123 aircraft to Indian Air Force and Navy.
In January 2017, HAL rolled out the 100th license produced Hawk, dubbed the 'Hawk-i', featuring indigenous Mission Computer and Embedded Virtual Training System (EVTS).
The Advanced Hawk will be assembled by HAL and will be available for export to neighboring countries.
The demonstrator aircraft was jointly designed and developed by HAL and BAE Systems from UK in two years.
