British Aerospace Hawk T.1

The British-designed and built BAE Systems Hawk is one of the world’s most successful advanced jet trainers. Originally designed by Hawker Siddeley, the Hawk first flew in 1974 and entered service with the RAF in 1976 to replace the Folland Gnat T.1. Deliveries of the Hawk T.1 first began to the RAF in 1976 as the forces advanced flight and weapons training aircraft. The RAF retired the Hawk T.1 from operational use during March 2022. 

Hawk XX342/G-HWC was previously flown by the Empire Test Pilots School at MOD Boscombe Down where it was painted in a raspberry ripple paint scheme. The airframe is now privately owned and has retained its distinctive paint scheme. It flew for the first time in civilian hands during December 2025 at St. Athan in Wales and is now based at Blackpool Airport. 

Hawk XX342 will be making its airshow debut at this year’s Air Tattoo and will be appearing on static display. 

Photo Credit: Tom Jones