Hawk grows in strength
	Sid McQuilter profiles BAE Systems’ classic trainer that is still a best seller thanks to constant upgrading
				By any standards the BAE Systems’ Hawk is the world’s most successful fast jet trainer. From every standpoint it outclasses the opposition. Over 750 aircraft have been ordered, or selected, by 17 customers worldwide. Hawk’s excellent performance enables it to carry a greater payload than any other advanced jet trainer. It is equipped to perform in a wide range of operational roles. Superb aerodynamic and handling characteristics make it an ideal trainer for students and its fully aerobatic ability can challenge the most skilful squadron pilot. The rear cockpit instructor’s position was designed to provide unobstructed forward visibility that is unmatched by any of its rivals. Hawk is respected as a reliable and rugged aircraft, admired by aircrew and ground crew alike for its serviceability and ease of maintenance. The Hawk T.Mk1 entered RAF service in 1976 and is used routinely for fast jet training, air combat manoeuvring and weapon system training. The upgraded T.Mk1A allows carriage of Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Hawk was the natural choice for the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team, its excellent flying qualities providing a stable yet manoeuvrable platform for precise formation aerobatics.
				Development of the Hawk T.Mk1 led to the initial export version, the Hawk 50 Series flying and weapons trainer. A version of Hawk was selected to provide the US Navy with a sea-going carrier-based trainer. The resulting T45A Goshawk is an extensively modified version of the Mk53 export variant. The Hawk 50 was further developed to produce the Hawk 60 Series that offers carefree handling characteristics in all regimes of flight, with low fuel consumption, high reliability and ease of maintenance. The two-seat Hawk 100 that developed from the Hawk 60 Series, is an advanced weapons systems training aircraft with an enhanced ground attack capability and established in service as one of the most successful advanced trainers/lightweight ground- attack aircraft available. The Hawk 100 offers a cost-effective solution to fighter lead-in training, navigator and weapons systems operator training. A combination of its powerful Adour Mk871 engine, seven-station combat wing and state-of-the-art avionics systems, enables the Hawk 100 to perform operational missions comparable with those of more sophisticated front-line combat aircraft, even in poor weather and at night. To enhance the Hawk 100 Series’ capability as a lead-in fighter trainer, significant changes have been made to the avionics suite and associated aircraft systems to make it more fully representative of specific standards of cockpit that the pilot will experience in a front-line aircraft. The result is the Hawk LIFT (lead in fighter trainer), a cost-effective pilot-training system capable of producing high-calibre aircrew for front-line service. With upgraded systems, capacity for future growth and extensive weapons clearances, the Hawk LIFT provides a highly capable training aircraft with a credible operational capability. Key features of the Hawk LIFT include a redesigned cockpit with three colour multi-function displays and controls that are compatible with current and projected front-line aircraft. The head-up display (HUD) features symbology compatible with front-line aircraft, and flexible software allows the HUD to display a variety of formats. Systems throughout the aircraft have been upgraded to enhance overall aircraft capabilities and reduce reliance on ground equipment. It has an in-flight refuelling capability. Hawk 200 is a single-seat, lightweight multi-role combat aircraft. The airframe and systems share a high degree of commonality with the Hawk 100 Series. The Hawk 200 is equipped with the Westinghouse APG-66H multi-mode radar giving comprehensive air defence and ground attack capabilities. ©
	Cockpit of the Hawk lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT)