BAE Systems describes the aircraft as “a concept of a future variant” of its widely sold jet trainer, which has been in service with the RAF since 1976.
BAE Systems has reported the first flight of the Advanced Hawk demonstrator from the company’s military aircraft facility in Warton, Lancashire. Equipped with a new type of pilot display, a redesigned wing and defensive aids, the Advanced Hawk is designed to meet market requirements for the next generation of fast jet training aircraft.
The first flight of the aircraft builds on its public debut at Aero India 2017 in Bangalore earlier this year. The aircraft will now undergo a series of flights to collect test data on the new capability enhancements.
The concept demonstrator features an upgraded cockpit equipped with BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile head-up display and a new, large-area display that introduces a new student/pilot training experience.
It also features a redesigned wing that increases performance in areas such as turn rates, angles of attack and both take-off and landing.
Other technology advances include increased stores capability, a new set of defensive aids and a range of new flight systems, all aimed at ensuring Hawk continues to provide the edge in fast jet pilot training, as well as offering increased operational utility.
The company is seeking to demonstrate to existing Hawk users that many of the proposed features of an Advanced Hawk, such as the large area display and new wing, could be achievable as upgrades.