RAAF upgraded Hawks begin training
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has commenced flights on the upgraded Hawk Advanced Jet Traineraircraft, with the Initial Operating Capability for the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program now achieved.
BAE Systems is upgrading 33 Hawk aircraft for the RAAF under the programme that began in 2014.
Upgraded to the latest, digital standard, each upgraded Hawk provides new training capabilities including simulated radar, electronic warfare, digital mapping, ground proximity warning system and traffic collision avoidance.
Two legacy synthetic training devices are also being replaced with three full mission simulators provided by CAE.
The upgrade of the Australian Hawk fleet is designed to provide an enhanced training capability to prepare pilots for the cockpits of F/A-18 A/B Classic Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and EA-18 G Growler aircraft, and, when introduced into service in 2018, the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The fleet upgrade will be completed by early 2019. Twelve of the 33-strong fleet have already been completed.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Training
-
Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army
The company’s mortar trainer received improvements based on soldier’s feedback.
-
Saab expands footprint in the US
The company will operate in two new locations in the coming years to better support US services.
-
How terrain management capabilities can improve military training
This type of tool provides more realistic training easing the incorporation of new scenarios that accurately represent the threats of the battlefield.
-
I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training
The Engineering Corps has been conducting individual instruction using FLAIM Systems’ Sweeper and should start collective deployments in 2025.
-
I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation
The next-generation platform is motion-compatible and can be used in OTW and NVG applications.
-
I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability
The system can be used to prepare soldiers for both drone offensive operations and CUAS missions.