BAe HAWK T MK.1A - 1985

Description

The Hawk T1A is a modified Hawk T1, which was intended to replace the Hawker Hunter in the RAF’s Tactical Weapons Units. A total of 89 aircraft were converted to carry two underwing AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and a centreline gun pod. During the 1980s, the RAF began using TWU Hawks in the Mixed Fighter Force (MFF) concept; the intention was to attach three of four Hawks to a Phantom or Tornado interceptor, which would guide them using its powerful radar onto enemy targets. This is also the variant used by the RAF’s Red Arrows display team; the underbody gun pod is used to carry oil for the display smoke system. (Scale : 1/48e)