Two UK Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft based at BAE Systems, Warton, departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1 August to be evaluated by its air force and air defence.
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The Hawk AJT’s will be tested in temperatures in excess of 45° Celsius |
The two aircraft may be chosen by the UAE is as part of the competition to choose a new jet trainer for the country's air force and air defence.
Earlier this year the UAE down-selected the Hawk AJT alongside two competitors to potentially meet its AJT requirement. The winner is expected to be announced before the end of the year.
The Hawk AJT’s will be tested in temperatures in excess of 45° Celsius, and will include more than 30 flights during the two weeks it will be in the UAE.
Hawk sales executive leading the UAE campaign Steve Wearden, said: “The evaluation will play a central role in the competition and the aircraft will be put through its paces in conditions we don’t experience in the UK.
He said that the Hawk has "a great deal of experience" in aircraft operations in hot, humid environments because it has been used in many countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, for over 25 years.
“The aircraft undertaking the evaluation are aircraft that will ultimately be delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence to train the next generation of RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots.”
Source: FlightGlobal.com
