, Formal site acceptance of the Bahrain Hawk Mk129 Training System has taken place at Shaikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. The training system, comprising an operational flight trainer (fixed based simulator) and an avionics part task trainer, is being provided by BAE Systems as part of the establishment of an indigenous pilot training system for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF).
This milestone follows the recent delivery of the first batch of Hawk Mk129 aircraft to Bahrain on 17th October 2006. The fixed based simulator is of an advanced standard and replicates the aircraft's advanced avionics, flight control and weapons systems and its dynamic visual system is integrated with the tactical environment, enabling both basic and advanced flying training to be taught.
Programme Director, Mark Greenhalgh commented: “The acceptance is another key milestone in our programme with Bahrain and, coming so soon after the delivery of the first batch of aircraft, shows the pace of the programme.”
“The Bahrain programme is an excellent example of BAE Systems and the customer working together to ensure that they receive the fully-integrated high-quality training solution they require.”
On 10th November 2006, the second batch of Bahraini Hawks was officially accepted by the Bahrain Defence Force and, having undergone final preparations for ferry, they departed BAE Systems' site at Warton in Lancashire on 24th November – arriving in Bahrain on 27th November.
By early 2007 the remaining Hawks will have been delivered to Bahrain to form the centre of an integrated training system. These Hawks, along with a package of equipment, support and training, also being provided by BAE Systems, will enable the Royal Bahraini Air Force to train its frontline pilots and develop an indigenous military flying training capability.
The Bahraini aircraft are among the first production Hawks to have the BAE Systems' operational flight programme integrated with the new FADEC-equipped (full authority digital engine control) Mk951 Rolls-Royce Adour engine.
Hawk is the world's most successful advanced training aircraft, outperforming and outselling all other aircraft in its class, and is now in service with 19 customers worldwide.
This latest milestone for the Hawk comes after a flurry of successes for the programme which included the delivery of the first batch of Bahraini Hawks, the handover of the first South African Hawk, and the signing of the production contract by the UK Government for 28 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers for the Royal Air Force.
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