First Indian Hawk Makes Maiden Flight

New Delhi, Dec 14 (UNI) The first BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) destined for India has taken to the skies for its maiden flight at BAE Systems' facility in Warton, UK.

The Hawk, designated HT001 and specifically tailored to meet the Indian Air Force's requirements, took to the air for the first time yesterday piloted by Keith Dennison, BAE Systems' Chief Test Pilot and Jon Price, Hawk Instructor pilot.

Following the successful flight, Keith said: ''The short flight went without a hitch... The aircraft performed very well with sparkling acceleration on the runway... It's a delight to fly, as the Hawk always has been, and thanks to the latest developments, it provides a training platform that is closely matched to the demands of the next generation of aircraft....'' According to information received here today, the first flight of HT001 took place just one month after the aircraft was delivered into final assembly.

HT001 is the first of 66 Hawk AJTs that are being built for the Indian Air Force, just one of the 19 Air Forces who are operating or have ordered Hawk -- rated as the world's most successful advanced jet trainer. The first 24 aircraft are being built by BAE Systems in the UK, with the remaining 42 to be manufactured under licence in India by the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Mark Parkinson, BAE Systems Managing Director, Hawk added: ''The Indian programme is moving at a terrific pace, as well as HT001's first flight we have a number of aircraft in final assembly, and have shipped the fuselages of additional aircraft that will be assembled by HAL in India... this is in addition to us managing the delivery of over 1,500 tonnes of raw material, 3,500 tools and around 15 million components to HAL in Bangalore!'' ''In parallel to the supply of the Hawk, BAE Systems is also providing interim pilot training to the Indian Air Force. This is taking place at RAF Valley in Wales, and so far some 40 pilots have successfully undergone this training....'' The first Indian Air Force Hawk aircraft will be delivered to India in September 2007 following a period of flight testing in the UK.

In March 2004, India signed a contract with BAE Systems to use Hawk as the new Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) for the Indian Air Force.

The contract comprises the purchase of 66 Hawk Mk 132 aircraft; ground-based training systems, associated support and interim pilot training at RAF Valley in Wales.

UNI DG RL KN2057