Overview
The world’s leading air forces use Hawk’s advanced airborne simulation to prepare pilots for life in the fast jet cockpit of aircraft including Typhoon and F-35, and with pilots of future combat air systems such as Tempest set to train in Hawk it will continue to be the world’s flying classroom thousands more pilots.
Hear about the important role Hawk plays for the Royal Air Force.
![RS63360_[YU9KKN] Hawk - RAF Customer Voice (Master) (CC) 2](https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/3468649950001/4cd756ec-8d50-48ab-964d-ece7ff165660/df88ea86-a4dd-42f3-9a8e-92d6ceac6da4/1280x720/match/image.jpg "RS63360_[YU9KKN] Hawk - RAF Customer Voice (Master) (CC) 2")
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Next generation technology for future pilots
Hawk’s success is built on its ability to look, feel and function like the latest generation of frontline combat aircraft. Its Heads-Up Display and full-colour Multi-Functional Displays are supported by the latest generation mission computers that can provide display data representative of the latest combat aircraft.
The technology at the heart of Hawk has put tens of thousands of students at the controls of the latest radar, weapons systems and defensive aids simulation technology, providing a unique ‘brain training’ environment to help deliver a seamless transition from basic training to the front line at a fraction of the through-life cost of its competitors.
Our engineering teams sit at the heart of the world’s leading combat air programmes from future combat air systems including Tempest, to today’s frontline including Typhoon and F-35, giving us a unique understanding of the mission systems ready for the future battlespace. Today, we continue to work alongside air forces across the globe to integrate next generation mission systems, wearable technology and cockpit displays, ensuring it continues its place at the heart of training pipelines.
Global support
Our desire to harness new technologies and maximise our partnerships does not stop at bringing new capability on to Hawk, it is within the way we ensure the global fleet is ready to deliver.
Across the world, our people are using our intimate relationship with our customers built on decades of partnership to ensure jets are available where they are needed, when they are needed and at a price they can afford.
In the UK, Australia and across the Gulf we are working hand-in-hand with our customers and industry partners to deliver efficiencies through new ways of working and harnessing technology to drive savings which can be reinvested in to new training capabilities.
Icons in the sky
Arguably the most famous Hawks in the world are flown by the Royal Air Force's aerobatics team, The Red Arrows. The jets continue to be seen by thousands of people across the globe as their iconic displays showcase the skill, agility and precision of the RAF.
Our people will continue to provide depth maintenance to the team from our base at RAF Valley for many years to come.
Celebrating 50 years of Hawk
On 21 August 1974, prototype aircraft, XX154, took its maiden voyage from Dunsfold airfield piloted by Hawk Siddeley Chief Test pilot, Duncan Simpson. This started the development of Hawk which would enter service with the Royal Air Force in late 1976 and during that same year the first export variant of the aircraft made its first flight and would later go in to service with air forces across the globe.
That first flight only lasted 53 minutes and saw the aircraft reach 20,000 feet but it was the start of proving an airframe which is very similar to the Hawks which is continues to train pilots today.
At the heart of the training pipeline
Our training pedigree is built on the global success story of Hawk, but it does not define us or constrain our ambitions. We are already building upon them as the solid foundations with air forces around the world to support their entire training pipeline - from recruiting the right talent through to providing operational training to the frontline.
Our knowledge of the leading platforms of the frontline of today and tomorrow and our intimate understanding of our customer, positions us perfectly to drive forward training as part of a system where the platform is but one part.
