Advanced Hawk complete maiden flight

BAE Systems BAE Systems has completed maiden flight of an improved version of the BAE Hawk advanced trainer jet, which was first unvei...

BAE Systems

BAE Systems has completed maiden flight of an improved version of the BAE Hawk advanced trainer jet, which was first unveiled in February, during the Aero India 2017 in Bangalore, India.

The aircraft was flown from Company’s military aircraft facility in Warton, Lancashire in UK. The advanced Hawk was developed jointly by BAE Systems and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and features a new type of pilot display, a redesigned wing and defensive aids.

These improvements will allow the highly successful BAE Hawk trainers, first introduced in 1976 to continue meet the market requirement for a next generation fighter pilot trainer. The concept demonstrator aircraft is one of the two Hawk developmental aircraft operated by BAE Systems modified with the improvements.

The concept demonstrator features an upgraded cockpit equipped with BAE Systems’ LiteHUD® (a low-profile head-up display) and a new, large area display that introduces a new student/pilot training experience.

BAE Systems

The new redesigned wing developed by HAL is equipped with active slat and combat flap for fighter like handling and also increases performance in areas such as turn rates, angles of attack and both take-off and landing.

It is also equipped with advanced sensor simulation including radar, weapons and defensive aids providing flexible and cost-effective training for tomorrow’s combat pilots.

Advanced Hawk have increased store capability and can carry a payload of 3000 kg, under its seven weapon stations. An new wingtip station can carry air to air missiles. The defensive aids include a radar warning receiver and countermeasure dispensing system to dodge enemy missiles.

The flight range can be extended using external fuel tanks and aerial refueling capability. The Advanced Hawk demonstrator unveiled during the Aero India 2017 was equipped with a aerial refueling probe.

India is the largest export customer for the Hawk Mk132 trainer, who have placed order for 140 of the type. The aircraft is license built by HAL in Bangalore.