T1A Hawk
by Staff EditorAlthough more than two decades old, the Hawk is still recognized as one of the world’s best advanced trainers and light-attack aircraft. In the current RAF training program, the Hawk is the first jet aircraft that a student pilot will fly. It is used to teach operational tactics and air combat procedures. The RAF's Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, operates the Hawk T1A, and in time of war or crisis would also carry out the point defence fighter role. The Hawk is in service with many countries around the world, and the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps train pilots with a T-45 Goshawk derivative of the basic Hawk.
T1A Specifications
| Manufacturer: | British Aerospace |
| First Flight: | 8/1974 |
| Wingspan: | 30.8 ft. (9.4 m) |
| Height: | 13.1 ft. (3.99 m) |
| Length: | 39.0 ft. (11.96 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 18,891 lb. (8,569 kg) |
| Thrust: | 5,200 lbs. (23 kN) |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 0.82 [Mach 1.2 in a dive] |
| Ceiling: | 50,000 ft. (15,240 m) |
| Range: | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Crew: | Two |
