A highly agile, low-wing, transonic, two-seat jet that can be flown to locations without requiring extensive ground support.
Perfect for aerobatics and regularly used by the Red Arrows in their role as national ambassadors for the UK, showcasing the RAF around the globe.
Role
The Hawk T Mk1 is a fully aerobatic, low-wing, transonic, two-seat training aircraft that is used by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. It is expected to remain in service until the end of the 2029 display season as the mount of the Red Arrows.
The aircraft has supported Red Arrows displays around the world, featuring in shows as far south as Australia; on California’s Pacific coastline to the west; at Zhuhai, China, to the east; and extensively across mainland Europe, the Gulf and in every corner of the UK.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Weapon Systems
Capability
The British-built aircraft was first used by the RAF in 1976 and was primarily intended as an advanced trainer but also had the potential to be equipped to an operational standard. It has two underwing pylons cleared to carry AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, or a telemetry pod for recording missions to enable post-flight debriefing.
In the Close Air Support training role it could carry up to eight 3kg practice bombs. The Hawk T Mk1 was withdrawn from service with 100 Squadron on 31 March 2022.
Flying with
Roles
History of the Hawk T1
BAE Systems’ dual control Hawk T1 Mk1 – originally produced by Hawker Siddeley – is one of the world’s most successful trainer jets, having been used as a flying classroom to prepare pilots by several air forces.
It replaced the Folland Gnat as the aircraft used by the Red Arrows from the 1980 season. The team’s jets are essentially the same as those previously flown in advanced flying training, with the exception of their trademark smoke-generation modifications and a slightly uprated engine, which gives a faster response time.
Whereas the two seats in the trainer version of the jet are occupied by an instructor and student, a pilot sits in the front of a Red Arrows’ cockpit and, on some transit flights, an engineer or photographer from the Circus travelling support team is in the rear seat. The flowing Union flag tailfin design on the jet was introduced in 2015 and emphasises the Red Arrows’ role as national ambassadors for the United Kingdom.
