- Yes
- No
Hello, I’m suggesting the Hawk 100 owned/used by Canada.
History:
In 1964 the RAF would set out the requirement for a new fast jet trainer, which was meant to replace the Gnat. Originally it was planned for the Jaguar to enter into this role but the aircraft was too complex. Luckily in 1968, Hawker Siddeley Aviation would begin studies to produce a simpler aircraft, something that started out as a special project. The project would be privately funded, well anticipating RAF interest. Well conceiving the design they would make it combat-capable alongside training for export sales. By the end of the year, they would submit the proposal to the Minister of Defence and by the 1st of October 1971 it would be selected for the contract and would be signed in March of 1972. The prototype would fly for the first time on the 21st of August 1974 where it would fly for 53 minutes, with the Hawk entering service in late 1976. Interestingly the program managed to stay on time and budget. Well, the first export Hawk would fly on the 17th of May in 1976. And would have its dual role nature extremely expanded on.
Due to the Hawk’s role as a trainer, it has a two-seat tandem cockpit, which is fitted with rocket-assisted ejection seats. The engines of the Hawks are Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour, as Hawker had worked closely with Rolls-Royce when making the aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be maneuverable and made to be able to reach transonic speed in a normal flight and supersonic in a dive. The Hawk also has a dual hydraulic system which supplies power in order to operate the aircraft’s various systems such as the flaps, airbrake and landing gear. The Hawk on the armament side was set up to carry a few things including: a centerline gun pod, two under-wing pylons and up to four hardpoints.
The CT-155, a member of the Hawk 100 family, would enter service in 2000 where they would primarily serve the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC). This would primarily use the CT-156 Harvard II and the CT-155 but depending on what the pilot was expected to fly they would be sent elsewhere on phase III, else fighter pilots would still be kept on the Hawk. As part of this, the Hawks(and all other NFTC aircraft), well still owned by the Government of Canada would be leased to Bombardier Aerospace and then later CAE to perform maintenance and service the aircrafts. Although this program and many other things have been up in the air after it was announced the CT-155s would enter retirement in March of 2024, but even after retirement they would still serve as trainers becoming maintenance trainers.
Special mention to this one done up like a Lancaster being an aircraft that the 419 Sqn(the sqn this Hawk is part of) once flew.
Specs:
Manufacturer: British Aerospace Systems
Crew: Two pilots in tandem
Power Plant: One 5,900 lb Rolls-Royce Mk 871 Adour turbofan engine
Performance: Max speed: 639 mph (1,028 km/h)
Service ceiling: 46,000 ft (14,021 m)
Weights: Empty: 9,700 lb (4,400 kg) Gross: 20,062 lb (9,100 kg)
Dimensions: Span: 32 ft 7 in (9.94 m) Length: 40 ft 7 in (12.43 m)
Height: 13 ft 1 in (3.98 m) Wing Area: 180 sq ft (16.69 sq m)
Armament:
2x AIM-9 (Has the capability to carry up to 6)
1x Drop tank
Has provisions for under-wing, rockets,
and an under-fuselage gun pod.
