HAWK FIGHTER

The BAE Systems Hawk is a highly successful advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, originally developed by Hawker Siddeley and later produced by British Aerospace and BAE Systems. BAE Systems, the manufacturer, is one of the world’s largest defense, security, and aerospace companies, based in the United Kingdom.

The Hawk’s design, led by Ralph Hooper, features a two-seat tandem cockpit and is powered by a single turbofan engine. Its first flight was on August 21, 1974, and it entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in April 1976, replacing the Folland Gnat and Hawker Hunter for advanced training. Its robust and fundamentally sound design has allowed it to serve not only in training capacities but also as a low-cost combat aircraft. Some variants were even equipped as short-range interceptors. The Hawk T1 is famously used by the RAF’s Red Arrows display team.

With over 1,000 units built and production continuing since 1974, the Hawk has been widely exported globally. Major primary users include the RAF, Indian Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, and Royal Australian Air Force. Other countries that have operated the Hawk include Finland, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Oman, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA (where a derivative, the T-45 Goshawk, is used by the US Navy). The aircraft is known for its versatility and reliability in demanding training and operational roles.