The Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Hawk, which is trainer jet that HAL makes under licence from UK’s BAE, today crashed after taking off from Kalaikunda air station in West Bengal. The reason being cited for the crash is a “technical snag”. The crash happened within the boundary of the air station, an both pilots ejected safely from the plane. In June last year, another Hawk trainer jet had crashed off the same air station.
About the aircraft: Hawk 132, is an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). It has tandem dual seats, and is meant to provide basic, advanced flying and weapons training to budding pilots of the IAF. The trainer jet has a low wing and an all-metal structure and is powered by an Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine. HAL handed over the first Hawk trainer to IAF in August 2008. According to HAL, the aircraft has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack aircraft or for air defence. “The cockpit provides excellent field of view and the aircraft is equipped with Inertial Navigation/Global Positioning System, head-up display and hands-on throttle and stick controls,” claims HAL.
A contract has also been signed between the Indian Navy and HAL for supply of 17 Hawk AJT and associated equipment. Till now, HAL has produced 10 aircraft and would be completing production of all the 17 aircraft by 2016-17. In May 2015, HAL signed an MoU with BAE Systems UK for the upgradation of Hawk Mk132. The MoU also dealt with the development of a combat Hawk for Indian and export markets and maintenance solutions for supporting Jaguar and Hawk fleet.
