Warton, United Kingdom – BAE Systems has been awarded a twelve month contract extension worth £23.8m from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) to support and maintain the UK’s fleet of Hawk TMk1 jet trainer aircraft.

Under the Hawk Integrated Operational Support (Hawk IOS) contract, BAE Systems is responsible for ensuring the Hawk TMk1 training aircraft are available to carry out agreed levels of training sorties

This extension to the contract will see a continuation of the support currently delivered by BAE Systems for flight line operations, providing fleet and supply chain management, forward and depth maintenance and technical support.  This underpins BAE Systems Readiness and Sustainment capabilities and is a continuation to the original four year contract awarded in 2007.

Martin Rushton, Senior Vice President of Training Solutions & Services said:  “This extension builds upon the successful delivery against the existing contract.  By continually exceeding the agreed availability rate of 95% we have proven we can meet the MOD’s targets to ensure aircraft are available to complete their required level of sorties, at an affordable price”.

BAE Systems currently supports both the UK’s Hawk TMk1 and TMk2 fleets.  As well as the Hawk IOS and Hawk In-service support contracts, the company is also responsible for a spares availability service which is provided at RAF Scampton, the home of Red Arrows aerobatics team and the MOD’s Boscombe Down testing and evaluation site.

Over 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order, and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots across 25 countries worldwide.  The Hawk produces less noise and emissions than any other jet trainer and has lower acquisition, operating and support costs than any other jet trainer.

Source: BAE Systems
Photo: Rob Vogelaar, ZAPP Group