BAE Systems was expected to debut the first U.S. flight demonstration of the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft at the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show over the weekend.
The performances were to showcase the capabilities of the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) as a potential T-38 replacement that can deliver the 5th generation sensor and information management skills needed by future U.S. fighter pilots.
The Hawk AJT flight demonstration in Fort Worth is part of BAE Systems’ National Road Show launched in September with an exclusive strategic partnership announcement with Northrop Grumman [NOC] –the original manufacturer of the T-38–to compete in the U.S. Air Force’s T-X program for the replacement of the aging T-38 trainer with the Hawk Advanced Jet Training System (AJTS).
BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman plan to offer the Hawk AJTS, uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force and manufactured in the United States with the involvement of a strong U.S. supply chain.
BAE Systems will prime this pursuit and Northrop Grumman will serve as the manufacturing partner for the new Hawk aircraft.
“The Hawk AJTS is the world’s most successful and proven advanced jet training system; in service and ready now to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force,” said Robert Wood, Vice President and lead for BAE Systems’ Hawk Advanced Jet Training System Team.
More than 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order to date, to 18 countries, and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots around the world. The Hawk is the future lead-in advanced jet trainer for the F-35 for the Navy and Marines, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.