Advanced Hawk to debut at Aero India

The Advanced Hawk, the upgraded version of the Hawk trainer jets in service with the Indian Air Force, will make its debut in this year's Aero India, a statement said on Monday.

A joint collaboration of BAE Systems and the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the Advanced Hawk's new features are expected to reduce training demands on more expensive frontline aircraft, creating additional capacity for operational tasks, and make training more cost-effective and structured.

"This fulfils the commitment made jointly by BAE Systems and HAL at the 2015 Aero India through signature of an MoU to explore future possibilities for the Hawk aircraft for India and export markets," said a statement from the BAE Systems.

BAE's Managing Director, Defence Information, Training & Services Stephen Timms said: "The Advanced Hawk is a testimonial of our commitment to sharing technology, capability and knowledge to build advanced systems in India, for India, and from India.

"Together with HAL, we are looking forward to show this industry-funded demonstrator to the Indian and other Air Forces and seeking their feedback on the combination of features that will better prepare student combat pilots for the demands of frontline aircraft."

"Clad in Indo-UK colours, the Advanced Hawk will be on display at HAL's stand, together with a simulator showcasing the aircraft's new capabilities. BAE Systems will also exhibit at the show with a number of displays spanning the breadth of its capabilities, technologies and platforms," the statement said.

The Hawk, a single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft used for final stage of the fighter pilot training, had recently completed 100,000 flying hours with the IAF. The high commonality with the operational version of Hawk will enable the Advanced Hawk production with maximum reuse of facilities, equipment and skills, said the statement.

BAE Systems Country Director, India, Alistair Castle said: "Make in India is the cornerstone of our strategy and Aero India is an excellent platform for us to engage all our customers and wider industry to explore new ideas for partnerships, whilst strengthening existing ones, such as our association with HAL and Mahindra."

The eleventh edition of Aero India, one of Asia's premier air shows, will be held in Bengaluru Feburary 14-18.

--IANS

rs/vd