Corgi Flight CC99301
BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A Diecast Model
RAF Red Arrows, XX264, RAF Scampton, England

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

The Hawk originates from a 1964 requirement for a new RAF trainer to replace the Gnat. The two-seat Jaguar was initially intended for this role, but it was soon realized that this would be far from ideal. Accordingly, in 1968 Hawker Siddeley Aviation began the design of a much simpler strictly subsonic trainer, which it designated P.1182 (later HS. 1182). The stepped cockpit, allowing the instructor in the rear seat a good forward view, was an innovation subsequently adopted by many other training craft. Confidence in the design was such that no prototypes or pre-production aircraft were ordered, the first six production aircraft being used for development testing. Five of these aircraft were later delivered to the RAF. After entering RAF service in 1976, the Hawk replaced the Gnat and Hunter in the advanced training and weapons training roles respectively. The most famous RAF operator being the 'Red Arrows" aerobatic team. The Red Arrows were established in December 1964 and flew their first public display in May 1965 with nine Folland Gnat trainers until the 1980 season , when the new British Aerospace Hawk re-equipped the team as its base of Kemble in Gloucestershire, before moving to Scampton, Lincolnshire shortly afterwards. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, was initially based at Raf Fairford, Gloucestershire, then a satellite unit of CFS. The first team had seven display pilots and was equipped with the Folland Gnat jet trainer. At the end of their first season, the Team had performed 65 displays in Britain, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and Germany and was awarded the Britannia Trophy by the Royal Aero Club in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the field of aviation. When it was decided to continue to fly just seven aircraft in displays. The practice of carrying spare pilots proved unsatisfactory because the display is so specialized that each position has its own demands and requires much practice to perfect. A spare pilot, who must be capable of filling any position at a very short notice, requires more training than any other member of the team, and as a result becomes more skilled. He then becomes dissatisfied with his role as a reserve. In 1968 the Team was increased in size to nine and adopted the classical Diamond Nine formation which has come to represent the peak of precision flying: it is now the Team's Trade Mark and is recognized world-wide. The Red Arrows took delivery of the Hawk trainer in the Winter of 1979/80. During that inter the pilots converted from the Gnat and worked up a display using the new aeroplane in time for the 1980 Summer Display Season. Since being introduced into service with the Red Arrows, the Hawk has taken the Team on tours of Eastern and Western Europe, the USA, the Middle and Far East, Africa, and Australia – in all the Red Arrows have displayed in 50 countries. Normally each pilot, including the Leader, stays with the team from year to year. The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly popular solo maneuvers in the second half of the display. They provide extra excitement and ensure that there is always some activity going on in front of the crowd whilst the Team Leader is re-positioning the remaining aircraft for their next flypast. There is one other qualified Hawk pilot, Red 10, the Team Manager. He flies the 10th Hawk to displays away from base, ready for use in case one of the others becomes unserviceable, but he never flies in public displays. The manager gives the commentary at air during Red Arrows' performances.

BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A

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Corgi Flight

The Corgi "Flight" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. These models are produced from the same basic tooling as the distinguished "Aviation Archive" range. By limiting some of the finer details like pitot tubes, antennas and warning placards, Corgi are able to offer an excellent low-cost alternative for budget-minded collectors.

Corgi "Flight" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Spinning plastic propellers.
• Permanently retracted landing gear.
• Presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• No pilot figures.