RAAF Lead-in Fighter Programme – BAe Hawk Part 2

British Aerospace Hawk 100

British Aerospace’s Hawk has become one of the world’s most successful lead-in fighter trainers. Hawk design team members were previously responsible for the immortal Hunter and the unforgettable Gnat. In August 1974 the first Hawk lifted off Dunsfold’s runway and into the history books. Since its 1976 entry into RAF service the type has amassed more than a quarter of a million flying hours with the air forces of 14 different countries. Sales currently exceed 650.

During the last 20 years the aircraft has benefited from numerous improvements: The current model has increased thrust, a revised wing section with slightly increased leading edge camber for better handling between Mach 0.3 and 0.7 and small vanes ahead of the tailplanes to smooth out airflow at high angles of attack and with flaps extended. Manoeuvrability has been further improved by combat flaps. The flying controls are now fully powered, a yaw damper on the rudder greatly enhancing stability for weapons delivery. Multiple stores pylons enable a 3,000 kg payload. The earlier Hawks’ mechanical gyros have been superseded by a single laser-gyro inertial navigation unit (INU) feeding the Smiths 1500 series HUD/WAC (head-up display/weapons aiming computer) and improved avionics and nav/attack systems. The HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) cockpit allows pilots to fly without having to glance inside during operations, greatly reducing the chances of hitting the wrong switch.

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