BAE Systems has successfully completed the first flight of Advanced Hawk demonstrator at its military aircraft facility in Warton, Lancashire, UK.
The Advanced Hawk is being developed by BAE Systems in collaboration with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Earlier this year, the demonstrator aircraft was showcased at Aero India 2017 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Built with redesigned wing and defensive aids, and a new type of pilot display, the aircraft will meet market requirements for the next generation of fast jet training aircraft, BAE stated.
BAE Systems Defence Information, Training and Services managing director Steve Timms said: “The successful first flight of the Advanced Hawk concept demonstrator is the latest step in the aircraft’s development and marks a significant milestone in Hawk’s capability upgrade.
“We already have the world’s leading advanced jet trainer and the new features in Advanced Hawk have been developed after listening to our customers’ views on where fast jet pilot training will go in the future, and how we ensure the Hawk continues to meet their requirements.”
The Advanced Hawk concept demonstrator has 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.
The redesigned wing is claimed to increase the jet trainer’s performance in areas such as turn rates, angles of attack, and both take-off and landing.
The aircraft with increased stores capability and new flight systems is said to offer improved operational utility.
It will now undergo a series of flights to collect test data on the new key capability enhancements, according to the statement.
Image: The Advanced Hawk concept demonstrator has an upgraded cockpit equipped with BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile head-up display. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
