ASRAAM
I am saying Hawk BFM is a perfect intro. It can achieve 6G obviously (and higher) but it doesn’t sustain it.
The T1 used to merge at 420+ kts and could happily sustain 8G for the first 180/360 degrees depending on height below.
The T2 has combat flap and merges below 350 knots which means less G but a better instantaneous and sustained rate of G with a smaller radius.
The G at the merge is not a problem. Both types of Hawk, once the first turn is done, will settle down at 3-4G sustained (depending on base height) and this is where a lot of the learning takes place. When a fight drags on for several minutes, fatigue will set in if the whole thing is done at 6G+.
Once a student has progressed to an OCU they will understand the rigours of air combat and will be better prepared for the G.
Of course, they will also have better G protection and therefore won’t be working as hard.
If a training jet that sustains high G also has full body G protection then maybe I’d change my tune a little.
I think we are actually in agreement.
BV