Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has signed an MoU with BAe Systems UK to develop a combat variant of the BAE Hawk 132 trainer jets, which is li...
The Hawk 132 advanced trainer jet (AJT) which currently provides weapon training for rookie pilots, has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack or air defence roles, without any major redesign.
The aircraft dubbed the Combat Hawk, in the light attack category, will be offered for Indian and export markets. In the era of shrinking defense budgets, an aircraft with proven capabilities and low operating cost, will be cost effective to replace heavy twin jets in a wide variety of roles, including armed reconnaissance, border patrols and tactical close air support.
BAE Systems, during the Aero India 2015, revealed that Indian Air Force is evaluating feasibility of arming its fleet of Hawk trainer jets. IAF is keen on the project as it can supplement its dwindling fighter fleet, which is below the stipulated 42 Squadrons, and is slated for further decrease by 2020, with the retirement of Mig-21 and Mig-27 fleet.
The Hawk 132 can accommodate a wide variety of external stores. The aircraft has 7 hard points to carry external stores with a possible 12 types of combinations to carry the stores.
The weapon and sensors considered included MBDA's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Rafael Litening targeting pods, and a range of smart weapons.The BAe Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which turns an unguided 70 mm rocket into a precision laser-guided weapon is also considered.
Powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine rated at 25.5 kN (5730 lbf) thrust, the Hawk Mk. 132 with tandem dual seats can provide basic, advanced flying and weapons training.
The Hawk AJT has excellent flying characteristics with good stability, can be flown at night and can perform wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres. The cockpit provides excellent field of view and the aircraft is equipped with Inertial Navigation/Global Positioning System, Head-Up Display and Hands-On Throttle and Stick controls.
The Combat Hawk will be a serious competitor to the under development Textron Airland Scorpion twin jet, which is being offered as a low cost multi-mission fighter.
Under the Hawk deal, the first 24 aircraft were supplied by BAe in fly away condition and the rest to be built in India under license. The first HAL produced Hawk was handed over to IAF in August 2008, and has so far produced 78 aircraft. When the delivery is completed by 2017, IAF and Indian Navy will be the largest operator of the type with 122 aircraft in fleet, following crash of a Hawk due to pilot error.
IAF is also considering the Hawk to replace its Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and is negotiating for a further 20 aircraft.
