The Hawk was a remarkable step forward as an advanced trainer when it first appeared thanks to its airframe. The instructor could see, the handling was safe and straightforward and the engine and wing were extremely well matched. Indeed as the first swept wing with low induced drag it gave the old Hunter men a very hard time as they were not used to pulling high g for more than a turn or two before the speed dropped and they could take a breather. The Hawk’s 6g until you ran out of fuel was quite another matter.
The cockpit and equipment fit was gradually developed (indeed Warton did a better job at that than I believe Kingston would have done) and turned the later versions into excellent trainers. But now the wing aerodynamics cannot offer a lead in experience to high alpha types.
The FBW Yak-130 and M-346 allow high alpha training plus the Yak offers variable stability and airborne simulation of other service types. As such they seem to me to be real instructional tools for a modern QFI/QWI.
I am sad to say that the Hawk and FA2 wings are no longer up to tomorrow’s job – but not many designs that date from the 60s have done as well for so long. In fact probably none if one is honest.