The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft. The Hawk is still in production with over 900 Hawks sold to 18 customers around the world.

In 1964 the Royal Air Force specified a requirement (Air Staff Target (AST) 362) for a new fast jet trainer to replace the Folland Gnat. The SEPECAT Jaguar was originally intended for this role, but it was soon realised that it would be too complex an aircraft for fast jet training and only a small number of two-seat versions were purchased. Accordingly, in 1968, Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) began studies for a simpler aircraft, initially as special project (SP) 117. The design team was led by Ralph Hooper. This project was funded by the company as a private venture, in anticipation of possible RAF interest. The design was conceived of as having tandem seating and a combat capability in addition to training, as it was felt the latter would improve export sales potential. Through 1969 the project was first renamed P.1182, then HS.1182. By the end of the year HSA had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence based on the design concept, and in early 1970 the RAF issued Air Staff Target (AST) 397 which formalised the requirement for new trainers of this type. The RAF selected the HS.1182 for their requirement on 1 October 1971 and the principal contract, for 175 aircraft, was signed in March 1972.

Renamed "Hawk" following an employee naming competition (the name "Tercel", a male hawk, was the actual winning name, but the RAF preferred the more common and simpler name), the aircraft first flew on August 21st, 1974. In 1977 Hawker Siddeley merged with other British aircraft companies to form the nationalised British Aerospace (BAe), which subsequently became BAE Systems upon merger with Marconi Electronic Systems in 1999.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF BAe Hawk T1 N.4 Trainer that was involved in Flight Training at RAF Valley. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 11 inches
Length: 11.25 inches

Release Date: March 2012

Historical Account: "On Display" - The 2011 Display Hawk has been wowing the crowds throughout the United Kingdom this year. Operating out of RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, the display team is the public face of 4 Flying Training school (FTS). The Hawk has been put through its paces throughout the year by Flt. Lt. Jules Fleming, who also performed great displays towards the end of 2010 in the Hawk display aircraft. A highly capable pilot, she flew Tornado GR4s over Afghanistan and Iraq in support of allied operations.

Flt. Lt. Fleming has proved to be an excellent exponent of the Hawks awesome aerobatic abilities, demonstrating that a solo display can be just as spectacular as the massed displays by its famous red counterparts.

The scheme celebrates a number of anniversaries and recognises not only the 70th anniversary of RAF Valley, now one of the countrys most important and vital air sea rescue bases, but also the 90th anniversary of 208 Squadron, which makes up a vital part of 4 FTS.