Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

BAE Systems is proceeding with design and wind-tunnel testing of a new wing for the evergreen Hawk jet trainer. The work, which is being done in the UK, was prompted by Indian interest in a "combat" version of the aircraft, as a follow-on to the current licensed production of the Mk132 advanced jet trainer (AJT) version by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). BAE prefers to call it an "advanced" version. BAE and HAL signed a&nbsp;memorandum of understanding (MoU)&nbsp;in May 2015 to explore future cooperation, and discussions continue.

 


Steve Timms, BAE’s managing director of defense information and training services, said that a slatted wing would produce an “interesting” increase in the Hawk’s performance, including shorter takeoffs and landings, and agility. New sensors and weapons would be added, as well as a helmet-mounted display for the pilot, and possibly also a single large-screen display in the front cockpit. Indian media last year reported an MBDA official suggesting the ASRAAM and Brimstone missiles as armaments. “The Hawk can already drop 500-pound bombs,” Timms noted.

 


HAL is currently producing the last of the 123 Hawk Mk132s that India <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2010-08-20/more-hawks-india-bae-eyes-iraq-and-poland">ordered in various batches through 2010</a>. The Indian air force is flying up to 100 sorties per day, and the aircraft is demonstrating good availability, said Timms. The MoU also includes a possible long-term joint venture for the support of these aircraft, and for India’s BAE Jaguars, which are likely to remain in service for decades to come, according to Timms. If a firm agreement to develop the combat Hawk can be reached, BAE would first modify its UK-based Hawk AJT demonstrator, he added.

 


Meanwhile, production of Hawk AJTs in the UK is assured until 2018, thanks to recent orders by Saudi Arabia (44) and Oman (8). These aircraft have the latest cockpit and training system modifications to help pilots from those countries transition to the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet. “The current Hawk is still very relevant, and we can create a rich training environment, both in the air on the ground,” Timms said.&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

BAE Systems Working on ‘Advanced’ Hawk Jet for India 

Ahead of a firm agreement with HAL, the OEM is designing a new wing and exploring weapons integration 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Global 8000's predecessor, the 7500, has a 2,900-ft cabin altitude at FL410

Bombardier Lowers Global 8000 Cabin Altitude to 2,691 Feet

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

Aircraft transactions up since Labor Day, expected to accelerate in Q4

AINsight: Bonus Depreciation Brings Bizav Boom

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Daytona Beach site will build the Integral trainers and a hybrid-electric regional airliner

France’s Aura Aero Opens Aircraft Factory in Florida

NBAA advises that longer-range aircraft may be more helpful during initial relief efforts

NBAA Activates HERO Database for Hurricane Relief Effort

On flights of up to 17 hours, the cabin needs to be configured in a way that works for each customer.

Gulfstream G800 Ultra-Long-Range Jet Interior Spotlight 

Hanneke Weitering

Supersonic demonstrator topped 254 knots in first test

NASA’s X-59 Supersonic Demonstrator Makes First Test Flight

Chad Trautvetter

But G700 orders are additive, according to the chairman and CEO of parent company General Dynamics

G800 Driving Sales at Gulfstream, Says Jefferies

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

More In Aircraft