Originally Posted by
pr00ne
With all due respect I don't think that Andy1999 has a point at all.
The RAF ordered 176 Hawk T1's, and they equipped an advanced flying training school of three squadrons, two tactical Weapons Units of two squadrons each, a CFS squadron, an aerobatic team the Red Arrows, the Institute of Aviation Medicine, ETPS, A&AEE and RAE. The RAF training aircraft were used to provide aircrew for a total of 32 RAF and RN front line fast jet squadrons.
The RAF ordered 28 Hawk T2's to equip one advanced flying training school of two squadrons that provide aircrew for 8 front line squadrons, soon to increase to 9 when 809 Sqn reforms in a few years, and maybe an additional RAF squadron by 2030 (the slowest re-equipment programme in RAF history?)
The current Hawk T1 fleet of 81 aircraft is used to equip one RAF adversary and aggressor squadron, one RN adversary and aggressor squadron, the Red Arrows with 16 a/c and the Centre for Aviation Medicine with 2, the remainder of the 81 being in store. All but the Red Arrows aircraft and a few in store are being retired this month, without replacement.
So, as they are not used for pilot training there is no equivalence between the 176 Hawk T1, nor indeed the current 81 Hawk T1, and the 28 Hawk T2.
If you REALLY want to look at a comparison, then look no further than the basic trainer situation. There 14 aircraft have taken over the roles of 130! The RAF had 130 Tucano T1 in three flying training schools, a CFS squadron, and later some used for refresher and navigator training. Currently the RAF has 14 Texan T1 in one squadron...
Now that is how to make a PPRUNE post: relevant, evidenced and easily read. Thanks Pr00ne.
