India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has rolled out an upgraded version of BAE Systems’ Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer, named the Hawk i.
Hindustan Aeronautics
The updated aircraft features an indigenously developed mission computer and introduces a digital map generation system. An embedded virtual training system, secure voice communications and data link capability have also been incorporated.
To be flown in public during the 14-18 February Aero India show in Bengaluru, the specially liveried aircraft is the 100thHawk 132 to have been built under licence by HAL. The airframer is to retain it as a test platform for the Hawk i standard, and also to support other future upgrades.
Hindustan Aeronautics
New Delhi has so far ordered a combined 123 examples of the Hawk 132 for its air force and navy. Flight Fleets Analyzer records 107 of these as being in operational use, including an initial batch assembled by BAE in the UK.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
