Brough, United Kingdom. – Yesterday, a BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) destined for the Indian Air Force, became the first ever Hawk aircraft to make its maiden flight from the Brough site.

The jet, the 22nd aircraft out of 24 being built in the UK for the Indian Air Force (IAF), takes its place in history as the first aircraft designed, manufactured, fully assembled, tested and to make its maiden flight from the Brough site.

The history making flight is just the latest of recent successes on the Indian Hawk programme, which sees BAE Systems delivering a total training package to the IAF. Prior to Christmas the first four Hawks were delivered to their new home at Air Force Station Bidar with the next few aircraft scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.

In addition to the supply of the 24 UK built aircraft, with 42 being built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore, the contract also sees BAE Systems develop, construct, install and commission four computer aided training devices: two cockpit procedures trainers, a flight training device and an avionics part task trainer, these combined with the Computer Aided Learning System provide the required classroom training to support the IAF’s training requirement.

In parallel to delivery of aircraft and training devices, BAE Systems, in partnership with the RAF, has delivered a training programme that will see on its completion in mid-2008, over 75 IAF pilots trained on the current RAF Hawk fleet at RAF Valley. Many of those who have completed the course have returned to India and gone directly onto the IAF’s most sophisticated frontline aircraft – a testament to the skill of the pilots and the training they received during their time at RAF Valley.

But the training being provided isn’t restricted to aircrew. A number of the Hawk AJTs that will be supplied to the IAF have also been used to train around 100 IAF engineering officers and technicians in BAE Systems’ Technical Training Academy at Warton who will support the aircraft when it enters service.

BAE Systems has also completed conversion training of experienced IAF Flying Instructors to become instructor pilots on the Indian Hawk – these instructors will train the Indian Air Force’s next generation of frontline pilots.

Mark Parkinson, Managing Director, Training Solutions, BAE Systems said: “The first flight of an Indian Hawk from our Brough site is another step forward on us delivering a total training solution geared to the specific requirements of the Indian Air Force. The successful delivery of this programme, on schedule, is a prime example of BAE Systems’ capabilities in developing and managing complex major programmes to meet the needs of our global customer base. ”

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier 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 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.

*On a pro rata basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006

For further information contact:
Paul Earnshaw, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 856992 Fax: +44 (0) 1772 856524