The Bangalore-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Hindustan Aeronautics limited (HAl), has delivered Hawk MK-132 to Indian Navy. According to an HAl Press release issued here on Monday, HAl-built first of the five trainer jets Hawk MK 132 was handed over to the Navy.
HAl Chairman RK Tyagi said, “We built this aircraft in time and this is the first of the five aircraft to be delivered to the the Navy. The remaining four will be delivered soon.’’
The HAl Chairman handed over the related documents to Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Hawk MK-132 is the latest entry into HAl-made and maintained aircraft and helicopters of the Navy which include Kiran and Do-228 aircraft, Advanced light Helicopter (AlH), Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. In addition, the HAl has also supported the Navy in upgrade of Sea Harrier.
Tyagi said, “We are carrying forward this legacy and will ensure that the Navy gets all the support from HAl on all parameters”.
According to the Press release, Vice Admiral Chatterjee who received the papers of the Hawk MK-132 praised the Navy’s long standing relationship with HAl. He said, “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder for all our current and future programmes. The Hawk delivered on Monday will have a pride of place in the Navy’s fleet. Given the fruitful association with the HAl, we will even think of reviving past projects,” he said.
Against the contract for supplying 17 Hawk aircraft, the HAl plans to deliver five aircraft in the current fiscal and balance in the next three years to the Navy.
The Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) is a dual seat multi-purpose aircraft powered by a single Rolls Royce Adour Mk.871 engine. The Hawk AJT is primarily used for basic, advanced and weapons training of the pilots. However, the aircraft has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack aircraft or for air defence.