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Profile: Hawk 127
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The BAE Systems Hawk 127 is a low-wing, all-metal aircraft and is the air force’s lead-in fighter jet. It is used to train pilots converting to F/A-18A and F/A-18B Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft. The Hawk was seen as a major step forward in fighter training, coming off the back of the Macchi, because the components of the cockpit resembled the aircraft pilots would eventually fly, making the transition far less overwhelming. It is clear that the jet is beloved, as over 1,000 have been delivered to many countries around the world.
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The aircraft has been fitted with “world-class” features, including an integrated avionics system, a head-up display in the front cockpit and multi-function display in every other cockpit, a health and usage monitoring system and can pre-program mission-specific data. It is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871 engine, can fly 1,207 kilometres per hour and has a wingspan of 9.39 metres. As it is used for training, it has a tandem, two-seater configuration. Due to its purpose being for training, Hawker designed the aircraft to have a high level of serviceability but with lower purchasing and operating costs than other trainers.
The RAAF first bought 33 Hawk 127 trainer aircraft in 1997. Twelve were made in the United Kingdom and 21 in Australia.
Last seen: In February this year, Minister for Defence Peter Dutton announced that the Australian government has committed $1.5 billion to upgrade and extend in-service support for the Royal Australian Air Force’s Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter Training System. The jets also returned to the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range for three weeks of aircrew training in February.
Career Highlight: Pilots typically complete an introductory fighter course with the Hawk, and more than 500 have been trained by the jet for over 20 years in the RAAF.
Fleet: 33
Purchased: 1997
Length: 11.95m
Height: 4.1m
Speed: 1,207 km/h
Operated by: No. 76 and No. 79 Squadrons
Based: RAAF Base Pearce near Perth, RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle
Range: 1,207km
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