Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA36002
BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A Diecast Model
RAF No.4 FTS, XX295, Anglesey, 1995

1:72 Scale		Length		Width
BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A		6.25"		5.25"

The first of 175 Hawks ordered for the RAF took to the air on 21 August 1974 and deliveries to RAF Valley commenced just over two years later. Aircraft were delivered with the ability to carry weapons and so the Valley-and Brawdy-based Hunters used for weapons training were retired and a new single-aircraft syllabus developed to take advantage of the Hawk's capabilities. Other training units to receive the Hawk were Tactical Weapons Units at Brawdy and Lossiemouth, the Central Flying School at Scampton and Valley and, in 1979 the RAF Aerobic Team, The Red Arrows. The Hawk gained an additional role from January 1983, when modification of 88 RAF aircraft to carry Sidewinder missiles commenced. The resulting T.Mk 1A variant was intended for emergence use as a point-defense fighter, supporting Phantoms and Tornados in the UK Defense Region. These aircraft are now used as dedicated weapons trainers. The Hawk subsequently replaced the Canberra in the target towing role.No 4 Flying Training School was originally formed at Abu Sueir, in the Egyptian Canal Zone, on April 1, 1921. Centrally situated between Cairo and Port Said, it was at the time the only RAF training unit located overseas and provided pilots for squadrons in the Middle East. With 2Avro 504Ks delivered from the Aircraft Depot, it commenced training a month later and it was from these beginnings that the School's badge of an Egyptian pyramid and palm tree originated, which is carried on the Hawks today. Following several moves, No. 4 FTS took up residence at its current base of RAF Valley on the Isle of Anglesey in 1960 and the first Hawks were delivered in 1976, to replace Gnats and Hunters currently operated by the School until then. The introduction of the Hawk T1 into service with No. 4 FTS proved to be a great success. Designed with the dual capability as a trainer/ground-attack aircraft, the Hawk was the first advanced jet trainer ever to enter RAF service which had not been an adaption of a Fighter aircraft. It is also interesting to note that no trials unit was formed prior to its delivery to Valley and, following the compilation of a training syllabus by the CFS, the Hawk was immediately put to work. Easy to operate and simple to maintain, the Hawk's performance matches, and in some area exceeds, the performance found in complex, large fighters. More economical than the Gnat, the Hawk also has the advantage of an increased range over its predecessor. The Hawk is cleared for spinning, an exercise previously omitted from the course when the Vampire was retired but now reintroduced after 17 years. In July 1977, the School's first Hawk course was able to commence, following the training of the first Hawk QFIs some 3 months previously. The Hawk has now been in service with No.4 FTS for nearly thirty years and has been a landmark in RAF history. Today, No.4 FTS's course is split between two reserve squadrons, No.'s 19 and 208. This Corgi model represents a Hawk T.1A from No.4 FTS in the smart red, white and blue training colors utilized during the 1980s and early 90's, before this was replaced by a more somber overall gloss black color from the mid-90s to date.

BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi's 1:72 scale Hawks recognize a "tradition of excellence" from Hawker Siddeley Aircraft (now BAE Systems); a British aircraft manufacturer responsible for some of the most famous products in British aviation history. Corgi has done a excellent job in reproducing this compact tandem seat aircraft, making it a fine addition to the modern jet collector. Corgi has even replicated the distinctive cordite charge embedded in the canopy used to shatter the canopy during the ejection sequence. The landing gear with rotating wheels and rubber tires is simple and easy to install for ground display. A custom display stand is also included that cradles the model for in-flight display.

© Copyright 2003-2017 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series

The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.