A27 BAE Hawk 127
Originally envisaged as a jet trainer, the BAE Hawk 127 was redeveloped for the RAAF as a lead-in fighter, minimising the gap between a standard trainer and fighter aircraft. Entering RAAF service in October 2000, the primary purpose of the 33 Hawk 100 aircraft is to act as a training aid, teaching pilots vital skills, tactics and reflexes that can be smoothly transferred to the F/A-18 and F-111. The first trainer, assembled at BAE Systems' site at Williamtown, NSW, is customised to meet RAAF requirement for a cockpit environment similar to that of the F/A-18, to minimise conversion training for pilots graduating to front-line aircraft.
The successful introduction of the Hawk lead-in fighter into Australian service is achieving the RAAF goal of providing state-of-the-art fast-jet training. The lead-in fighter support facility in Williamtown provides maintenance support to the 33 aircraft.
The Hawks areoperated by No 76 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown, New South Wales, and No 79 Squadron at RAAF Pearce, Western Australia. They are also used in training tasks supporting the Navy and Army.
TECHNICAL DATA: BAE Hawk 127
DESCRIPTION:
Two-seat advanced trainer/light attack fighter
POWER PLANT:
Single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871
WEIGHT:
5443 kg
DIMENSIONS:
Length 11.95 m; Height 4.08 m; Wingspan 9.39 m.
PERFORMANCE:
Range 1207 km, Service ceiling 50,000 feet (15240 m), Speed 1207 km/h, Turns up to 8G
ARMAMENT:
30 mm Aden cannon, Sidewinder missiles, light bombs.
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