Hawk strengthens position as world's favourite advanced jet trainer

The UK contract confirms Hawk's position as one of the most capable advanced jet trainers available in the market today to train pilots for next generation combat aircraft such as Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II.

Lord Drayson, UK Minister for Defence Procurement said:

'This highly advanced training aircraft will help ensure that our front line pilots retain their battle winning edge in the 21st century. It is the right choice for training aircrew for future operational missions.'

Simon Keith, BAE Systems' Managing Director Middle East commented: 'The Hawk, an all new aircraft but with a great pedigree, is proving to be a popular choice and BAE Systems is offering the same aircraft that will be used by the Royal Air Force, to meet advanced jet trainer requirements in a number of markets across the world.'

At the same time, BAE Systems has just delivered the first batch of new Hawks to Bahrain in a move that continues the advanced jet trainers' success in the Gulf region. Bahrain joins the United Kingdom in choosing the latest version of BAE Systems' Hawk as the aircraft of choice to deliver pilot training for frontline aircraft due to superior handling, performance and technology.

The latest generation Hawk aircraft has evolved from a successful family of proven jet trainer aircraft, some 900 of which have been sold around the world. In the latest version of the Hawk serviceability has been improved to minimise support costs, to give unprecedented availability for flying and provide the most cost-effective training system available. One key development provides on board simulation of full radar and weapons systems providing pilots with a realistic frontline experience in a safe and less costly training environment.

The aircraft is also equipped with world-class avionics technology that has similar functionality to that found in the latest generation frontline combat aircraft. It has IN/GPS navigational systems for pinpoint navigational accuracy and a Ground-Proximity Warning System to enhance safety during low-level flying.

Hawk's new and more powerful Rolls Royce 951 engine is equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control that gives the pilots completely carefree handling of the throttle throughout the whole of the aircraft's flight envelope, exactly like modern fighter aircraft.

Becoming the latest operator of the world famous Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, the Royal Bahraini Air Force received the first of the Hawk jets at Shaikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain after a four-day ferry flight from the UK.

The contract forms part of the modernisation of the Bahrain Defence Force as directed by the HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force, Bahrain.

By early 2007, the remaining Hawks will be delivered to Bahrain to form the core of an integrated training system for their F-16 Block 40 pilots. These Hawks, along with a package of equipment, support and training also being provided by BAE Systems, will enable the Royal Bahraini Air Force to train its frontline pilots and develop an indigenous military flying training capability.