The Royal Air Force's (RAF) new advanced jet trainer, the latest version of the BAE Systems Hawk is pictured over The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) tower with the world famous RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team. This new version of the BAE Systems Hawk has been selected to meet the RAF's demanding requirements to train pilots for next generation combat aircraft such as Typhoon and the F-35 JSF. The new Hawk is being accompanied by the Red Arrows on a three week tour of the Middle East and Europe.
Sunday's 22-minute Red Arrow's display along the Manama waterfront was spectacular, and Bahrain residents and visitors were treated to quite a show. The acrobatics demonstrated the intense ability of the BAE Systems Hawk. The Red Arrows rely on Hawk, the world's premier advanced jet trainer, to carry out their demanding series of spectacular flying displays.
Team Leader Squadron Leader Dicky Patounas said: "Our display is the product of highly skilled people in the air and on the ground and a reliable, easy to manoeuvre aircraft in the shape of the BAE Systems Hawk. We are pleased to be accompanying this latest version of the Hawk on this tour as the aircraft is further proof that Hawk is the world's premier advanced jet trainer."
Commenting on today's visit to Bahrain Mark Simpkins, General Manager BAE Systems Bahrain said: "As an existing Hawk operator it is important that the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) are aware of all developments in the advanced jet trainer market as they consider the training of their future frontline pilots. The new Hawk that you see today is ideally placed to meet all such requirements with the recent selection by the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force further strengthening the aircraft's position as the leading advanced jet trainer. With the lowest acquisition and operating costs of all aircraft in its class Hawk is ideally suited for next generation fighter training."
From the outside, the new version of Hawk looks similar to those flown by the Red Arrows but the reality is that they are very different aircraft. Only the cockpit canopy and air brake remain the same. With a cockpit centred on three multi-function displays, a host of avionics and system enhancements and a new Rolls-Royce Adour Mk951 engine equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), the Hawk will offer the ideal 'digital' training environment for student pilots destined to fly the next generation of front line combat aircraft.
Hawk's outstanding performance, high reliability, ease of maintenance and through- life support have all been proven in-service resulting in low life-cycle costs. Winner of the last five major competitions for advanced jet training aircraft, the BAE Systems' Hawk attracts a high level of interest from prospective customers worldwide, ensuring that the world's best selling advanced jet trainer will continue to fly high for years to come.
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About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems sales exceeded GBP 15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
For further information, please contact:
Jayne Thomson, BAE SYSTEMS Middle East
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384 841
Issued by:
Action Bahrain:
Tel: +973 17234553;
fax: +973 17234557.
Email: Kristen.r@actionprgroup.com
On behalf of:
BAE SYSTEMS,
Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6YU,
UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605
Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
© Press Release 2006