UK Receives New Hawk Training Aircraft

The UK's Royal Air Force has received the first set of advanced jet trainers, the Hawk T Mk2.

The new version of the Hawk trainers has been enhanced to match the latest generation of combat jets entering service, including the Typhoon.

The Hawk T will provide a realistic in-flight training environment to help airmen reach full combat readiness.

The aircraft also offer a lower acquisition cost to the air force thanks to their simpler design.

The first ten aircraft are part of a £450m fleet of 28 trainers ordered by the RAF.

Six of the ten aircraft will be used for the development of the full training syllabus before pilot training starts in 2011.