Cymraeg

A fully aerobatic, low wing, transonic, 2-seat training aircraft.

The BAe Systems Hawk T2 is a high-performance, 2-seat training jet equipped with advanced avionics and synthetic radar to simulate front-line combat aircraft like the Typhoon. Used primarily by the RAF for advanced jet training, it prepares pilots for complex tactical environments.

Role

The BAe Systems Hawk T2 (or Hawk 128) is an aerobatic, two-seat training jet, designed with controls similar to the Typhoon fighter jet. Equipped with an advanced "glass cockpit," it offers realistic training that meets current and future standards, immersing pilots in complex tactical scenarios as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). The most advanced fast jet training for RAF pilots is conducted on the Hawk T2.

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Capability

The Hawk T2 is equipped with a data link that gives pilots synthetic radar for intercept training and helps them track other Hawk T2s in the area. It also has a sensor simulation feature for realistic Electronic Warfare (EW) training, allowing pilots to practice defending against Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). The aircraft’s design includes a modified nose and tail with additional fins and a radar warning receiver, along with a new tail cone that supports a brake parachute, improving stopping distance compared to the Hawk T1. The Hawk T1 model is flown by the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Hawk T2 Recognition

Interactive 3D model of the Hawk T2 aircraft follows, you can interact with the model using buttons and mouse.

Drag aircraft model to view other angles

Based at

Flying with

Roles

Pilot

History of the Hawk T2

The Folland Gnat entered RAF service as an advanced trainer in 1962, later replaced by the Hawk, developed from Hawker Siddeley’s P.1182 design when the Jaguar B proved too costly. The Hawk, first flown in 1974, joined RAF training in 1976, replacing Gnat trainers and providing a robust, affordable platform for fast-jet training.

In the late 1970s, the Hawk was modified for air defense with AIM-9L missiles, serving as an ideal training foundation for Phantom, Harrier, and Tornado pilots. As modern jets like the Typhoon required glass cockpit training, the Hawk T2 was introduced in 2004 with advanced avionics, becoming fully operational in 2009 under the UK’s Advanced Fast Jet Training program, where it has excelled in training RAF pilots at RAF Valley.

Hawk T2 in action