Hawk: Training the pilots of the future

With an unrivalled pedigree of delivering the pilots of the future for air forces across the globe, Hawk is the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer.

What makes Hawk so special?

The technology at the heart of Hawk has seen the aircraft enhance customer training pipelines for the front line fighter pilots of the future.

Students are put at the controls of the latest radar, weapons systems and defensive aids simulation technology, providing a unique ‘brain training’ environment to prepare them for life in the cockpit of new and next generation combat jets like the Typhoon and F-35.

A true advanced jet trainer with remarkable flexibility, it is designed to help deliver a seamless transition from basic training to the front line at a fraction of the through-life cost of its competitors.

Airborne simulation training for life on the front line

Hawk’s advanced airborne simulation technology has reduced costs and introduced new pilots to front line sooner, with a higher skill level.

Airborne simulation including sensors, weapons, radar, defensive aids and countermeasures, allows for sorties including realistic air-to-ground scenarios to be programmed into Hawk’s on-board computers prior to take-off or in real time. By providing real time in flight results of exercises, missions can be re-programmed while student pilots are in the air.

New generation technology for future pilots

Hawk’s cockpit is designed to look, feel and function like the latest generation of front-line combat aircraft.

The 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 such as Typhoon and F-35, and the latest navigational aids such as a digital moving map.

The aircraft has Hands-On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) cockpit controls with a non-fly-by-wire flight control system to give the student a real feel of fast jet handling.

The cockpit is equipped with a data transfer capability interface with ground based Mission Planning and Debriefing Systems, allowing for accurate and timely mission planning, briefing, rehearsals, and mission execution and debriefs, linked to a student’s Training Management System.

A Global Success

Hawk is a true worldwide success story. Nearly 1,000 have been ordered, with aircraft delivered to 18 countries across the globe. Built on more than 35 years of fast jet training experience, Hawk has been used to train many pilots flying current and new generation combat aircraft today, with more than 3.5 million flying hours achieved.

Map showing countries in which Hawk is sold

Hawk now & in the future - A dual role capability

Hawk is not only the world’s leading military aircraft trainer, it is also a proven light combat aircraft, able to offer close support, reconnaissance, surveillance and air defence – and is ready to play an effective role in combat missions at a fraction of the cost of operating front-line aircraft.

We continue to work with our customers to create new capabilities and enhance existing ones, ensuring Hawk remains competitive.

Among the advances currently being worked on with customers and partners include Large Area Display, real and simulated “smart” weapons integration and a Helmet Mounted Display system.

Through-life support

BAE Systems offers a wide range of in-service support capabilities throughout the life of Hawk aircraft, with the aim of delivering cost savings, providing a high level of aircraft availability and optimising the support system year after year to reduce through-life costs.

We provide support services to customers across the globe including instructors, maintenance and integration services.