The Indian Air Force today got the delivery of the first indigenously assembled Hawk MK-132 advanced jet trainer by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Air Chief Marshal, F Major was the one who was formally handed over the aircraft.

By the handing over the HAL’s first Adour powered Hawk AJT at Bangalore, it is for sure that there would the beginning of a new chapter for the public sector company engaged in defense production.

“The IAF is acquiring 66 Hawk MK-132 AJT aircraft of which 24 are being supplied by BAE Systems in a flyaway condition. The remaining 42 will be built by HAL at its aircraft division here under licence in three phases,” as reported by Mr Ashok Baweja, chairman, HAL

Though the first Hawk aircraft was created after being received in a completely knocked down condition, Mr. Baweja said in a function that HAL would manufacture 100 Hawk aircrafts for the IAF indigenously.

Around 12000 individual components, 3,300 sub assemblies, 5000 bought out items and 142 cables and strings, are included in the AJT between the ministry of defense and BAEs and Rolls Royce, UK, had made a conclusion on the contract for the AJT, on 26 March 2004, and it was also decided that HAL will be responsible for the license production.

With a one piece moderately swept wing and mounted low on fuselage, Hawk MK-132 is an awesome and really advanced jet trainer. It also has double slotted flaps and advanced aerofoil section. A single Adour MK 871 turbo fan engine is the secret of its ultimate power. Surprisingly, a very small part of steel has been used for the highly loaded fittings along with several magnesium alloy castings and titanium parts.

The Air Chief expressed his emotions on the occasion of handing over of the first indigenously assembled Hawk AJT, as IAF had been long waiting for its arrival. It would definitely enhance the training level of the IAF pilots, expressed Mr. Baweja.