The Hawk is a tandem-seat Aircraft for ground attack, flying training and weapon training. It has a low wing and an all-metal structure and is powered by an Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine. The Aircraft has an integrated navigation /attack system and radio and inertial navigation systems. The Aircraft is cleared for instrument (IFR) flying and for Solo Instrument flying from the front cockpit only.
Origin: United Kingdom.
Type: Tandem Two-seat Jet Trainer
Accommodation: Seating for two arranged in Tandem
Weights: Basic Empty – 4440 kg
………….Max. Takeoff – 9100 kg
Engine: One Rolls Royce Adour MK 871 Turbofan (1 x 25.5 kN (5730 lbf) at sea level ISA)
Performance: Max. speed at sea level 0.84 mach
………………Max cruising speed 0.85 mach at 30,000 ft
Service Ceiling: 44,400 feet.
Range: At 10,000 feet with economical cruising power – 754 km (400n miles) radius of operation
Units Operated:
—————-Hawk Operational Training Squadron (HOTS) Air Force Station Bidar
—————-Suryakirans Aerobatic Team (No.52 Squadron, AF), Air Force Station Bidar
Total Procurement: 123 aircraft
Indian Air Force : 106
—————-24 Direct Supply (2004 Contract) – First deliveries 2007 – Delivery completed 2009. (Tail Numbers A3480-A3503)
—————-42 CKD Kits built by HAL (2005 Contract) – First delivery 2008 – Delivery completed 2012 (A3621-A3662?)
—————-40 built by HAL (2010 Contract) (25 delivered as on May 2015)
Indian Navy: 17
—————-17 built by HAL (2010 Contract) (11 delivered as of May 2015)
The Hawk is a tandem-seat Aircraft for ground attack, flying training and weapon training. It has a low wing and an all-metal structure and is powered by an Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine. The Aircraft has an integrated navigation /attack system and radio and inertial navigation systems. The Aircraft is cleared for instrument (IFR) flying and for Solo Instrument flying from the front cockpit only.
A contract between BAeS, UK and Ministry of Defence, India was signed on 26th March 2004 for induction of 66 Hawk Aircraft (Advanced Jet Trainer) to Indian Air Force (IAF). 24 Aircraft were to be procured directly from BAES and balance 42 Aircraft were to be manufactured under licence at HAL. As part of this a Contract was signed between Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 21st February 2005 for manufacturing and supply of 42 Hawk AJT alongwith equipment and services for Indian Air Force at a total value of Rs.1982.21 crore (Avg Cost Rs 47.20 Crore). Most of the aircraft were built from CKD kits.
A follow-up contract for supply of additional 57 aircraft to IAF / Indian Navy was concluded on 23rd July 2010. (40 Hawk MK132 aircraft for IAF and 17 Hawk MK132 aircraft for Indian Navy). Forthe IAF part, a contract was signed between Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 23rd July, 2010 for manufacturing and supply of 40 Hawk AJT alongwith equipment and services for Indian Air Force at a total value of Rs.6459.89 crore. (Avg Cost Rs161.49 Cr). For the naval aircraft, a Contract was signed between Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 23rd July, 2010 for manufacturing and supply of 17 Hawk AJT alongwith equipment and services for Indian Navy at a total value of Rs.3042.79 crore (Avg Cost Rs 179 Cr).
The Hawks are operated by the Operational Conversion Unit stationed at Air Force Station Bidar. In February 2015, it was announced that the Suryakirans Aerobatic Team would be reformed on the BAe Hawk. As of October 2016, this unit was operating a six aircraft formation team with another spare aircraft on establishment.
Over 70,000 hours have been flown by 2015. A total of four Hawks were lost in accidents at the time of writing in 2016. By November 29, 2016, the fleet has amassed 100,000 flying hours.
A3674 Colour Profile by Cesar Raul Rico Cortes
Flying Characteristics:
The aircraft has excellent flying characteristics with good stability and response to controls about all three axes. The aircraft is cleared for a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres and exhibits very good resistance to departure even outside the normal flight envelope. At incidences up to the stall, the aircraft is stable about all axes for all flap configurations. Recovery from any stall is immediate on moving the control column forward
The Hawk Mk.132 wing has a moderate amount of fixed droop to the leading edge to aid sustained turn performance in the speed range 0.4 to 0.7 M. The aircraft is spin-resistant, but is cleared for deliberate upright spinning in the basic aircraft configuration with or without the gunpod.
The aircraft is currently cleared for take-off and landing with a crosswind component of 30 knots (55 km/hr). For solo flying the front cockpit is used. The aircraft has an inverted flight (negative g) capability of 30 secs. The aircraft may be flown at night, either dual or solo, without any additional flight limitations.
Recommended Links:
Aircraft Serials: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Aircraft/listing.php?qacid=77
Accidents: http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Accidents/listing.php?qacid=77&qt=TY
Image Gallery:
Other Links:
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hal-eyes-export-potential-of-light-attack-hawk-412822/