RAAF upgraded Hawks begin training
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has commenced flights on the upgraded Hawk Advanced Jet Traineraircraft, with the Initial Operating Capability for the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program now achieved.
BAE Systems is upgrading 33 Hawk aircraft for the RAAF under the programme that began in 2014.
Upgraded to the latest, digital standard, each upgraded Hawk provides new training capabilities including simulated radar, electronic warfare, digital mapping, ground proximity warning system and traffic collision avoidance.
Two legacy synthetic training devices are also being replaced with three full mission simulators provided by CAE.
The upgrade of the Australian Hawk fleet is designed to provide an enhanced training capability to prepare pilots for the cockpits of F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and EA-18 G Growler aircraft, and, when introduced into service in 2018, the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The fleet upgrade will be completed by early 2019. Twelve of the 33-strong fleet have already been completed.
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