BAE Systems, The BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) has successfully flown its latest mission system upgrade, a development of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
The BAE Systems' TERPROM system has been integrated into the aircraft's mission computer to enable the provision of a GPWS. TERPROM is a digital ground-mapping database which the aircraft's mission system links to a projection of the aircraft's current flight path. Should the aircraft be flown too close to the ground, or obstacles such as masts and pylons the pilot is provided with a voice and visual warning, enabling the pilot to recover the aircraft.
GPWS is just one of several developments that can be found on the new Hawk AJT, the latest version of the world's most successful advanced jet trainer.
As well as GPWS the Hawk AJT, which was recently down-selected into the final three aircraft to meet the UAE's requirement for a trainer aircraft, also comes equipped with:
1. Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). The Hawk AJT is the only advanced jet trainer that has TCAS. The system monitors space around the aircraft and by interrogating signals given off by other aircraft in that airspace, can determine if a potential clash exists. If there is a potential airspace conflict, the system provides recommended manoeuvres to avoid a clash.
2. Digital Moving Map (DMM) allows the display of geographical information relative to the aircraft's position and heading on one of the full-colour multi-function displays situated in the cockpit. It is also possible to overlay associated synthetic symbology onto the map.
3. Radar Simulation (RadSim) provides a student pilot with displays and controls which can represent the relevant air force's radar systems, without the expense of fitting a radar.
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Nat Makepeace, BAE Systems' Hawk project pilot, and a former RAF Qualified Flying Instructor, said: “The first flight of the Hawk using the new GPWS was extremely successful and is a demonstration of BAE Systems' commitment to the continued development of the Hawk AJT.
“The GPWS capability will be of tremendous benefit to the students who will carry out their advanced jet training on Hawk before transferring to their frontline aircraft such as Typhoon or F-16. It will enable them to develop their situational awareness in a realistic environment.
“The development programme has been very effective and systems such as GPWS, TCAS and DMM, coupled with Hawk AJT's excellent reliability, give the best – and safest – platform on which to train the next generation of frontline fighter pilots.”
BAE Systems is a global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
