#1620 Hawk T1 print
Description
Squadron Prints Lithogrpah No. 1620: Hawk T1, XX154, The First of Many.
The Hawk is a British success. It was the result of the dedication, enthusiasm and skill of many people co-operating and working as an effective team. At Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) Kingston, an experienced design team of Hawker and ex Folland design engineers, with an extensive background of Hunter, Harrier and Gnat, explored for two years the concepts of a new advanced jet trainer that was capable of through life development. The project became known as HS1182. The team members with skill in design, manufacture, contract negotiation, flight and ground testing were determined to succeed. Their work was rewarded when a Ministry of Defence competition was won October 1971 and contracted in March 1972. A fixed price contract for the design, manufacture, development and delivery of 176 advanced jet trainer aircraft to the RAF. Now there was a need for a name. Eventually after much thought and a competition the name HAWK was formally adopted on 3 August 1973 - which is so right. First flight from HSA Dunsfold was achieved with XX154 on 21 August 1974. A further two and quarter years with the co-operation of the Ministry of Defence resulted in the full-service release being approved on time and to specified cost. The first two aircraft were delivered to RAF Valley, XX162 and XX163, on 4 November 1976. The original concept included the importance of a base line for the aircraft’s development and export sales. Subsequent perseverance by engineers, marketers, demonstrations by company test pilots, as well as Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots, has resulted in excess of 1000 BAE SYSTEMS Hawks operating today. This includes the United States Navy integrated training system’s 221 T-45 Goshawks. In the UK both RAF and Royal Navy pilots are trained on T1 and T2 Hawks and the Red Arrows have displayed the Hawk since 1980. BAE SYSTEMS export sales have created many jobs throughout the UK and the type operates very successfully around the world. XX154 has remained in active service until its final service flight at Boscombe Down on 19 December 2018. XX154 was retired to Boscombe Down Aviation Collection (BDAC) on 21 August 2019. Its final “flight” being delivered to BDAC as a under slung load carried by Chinook ZH892 from 27 Squadron RAF Odiham. XX154 Is today on public display to inspire future generations.