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RED ARROWS HAWK
Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Attention all aviation enthusiasts, young families, and aspiring pilots! Prepare to be thrilled in the awe-inspiring presence of our legendary Red Arrows plane — a Hawk T1A fast-jet.
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This iconic aircraft, a symbol of British aviation excellence, has captivated aviation enthusiasts for decades.
Our Hawk XX260 fast-jet plane was generously gifted to the Ulster Aviation Society by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in mid-2023.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Who are the Red Arrows Display Team?
The Red Arrows Display Team, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the Royal Air Force aerobatics display, based at RAF Waddington. An important part of the RAF, they have been performing since late1964, when they originally flew Folland Gnat jets.
The Red Arrows today are known for their precision flying, they're world-renowned for breath-taking displays of aerial acrobatics, exciting airshow audiences (in both the UK and around the world when on tour) with intricate formations and jaw-dropping aerial manoevres.
History of Red Arrows Hawk XX260
This particular Hawk T1A aircraft was part of the Red Arrows display team from 1983 to 1986 and then again from 1991 to 1992, having graced the skies with its astonishing manoeuvres, showing off its vibrant and iconic red livery and the top tier RAF pilots' skills. But it's not much different from the Red Arrows today with their current Hawk jets.
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XX260 suffered major engine damage from a bird strike at Blackpool Airshow in 2010 that affected the hydraulics and fuel systems. It made a successful emergency landing at Blackpool. The internal damage was so severe it was retired from service.
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The successful emergency landing showed the meticulous maintenance and rigorous RAF training integral to Red Arrows' operations.
The Red Arrows Display team has been using the Hawk T.1 planes since 1979, and XX260 was one of the most famous jets flown by the team at the time, due to its bird strike.
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The aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 861 turbofan, which produces 5700lb of thrust. The jet can fly at a maximum speed of 645mph, plus reach a top speed of Mach 1.2 (while in a dive).
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Its sleek design, powered by a reliable (when birds aren't sucked in the front that is!) Adour 861 turbofan engine, enables the jet's amazing manoeuvres.
The Hawk T.1 jet airplane has been used by many different air forces around the world, including India, Finland, Indonesia, and others.
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It was proven to be a reliable and versatile aircraft that could be used for a variety of purposes, which included as a low-cost combat plane in several conflicts around the world, when fitted with optional Aden Cannon in a centreline pod, or Sidewinder, ASRAAM or A-Darter missiles.
The UAS is honoured to now own one of these magnificent aircraft, to remember the precision and skill of RAF pilots Sqn Ldr Ben Murphy and Flt Lt Adam Littler, and those that flew in it before then.
Having it will remind the Northern Ireland visiting public of the many Airshows they've enjoyed over the years. The aircraft's transition from active duty to a static display at our hangars, where visitors will be able to sit it and imagine what it was like to fly in it and entertain them originally., has become the UAS' star attraction.
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Whether you're a big airshow fan, just an aviation geek, or a young aviator dreamer with aspirations to fly in formation with "the Reds", a visit to our hangars promises to be an unforgettable experience for you!
Manufacturer:
BAe Systems​
Model:
Hawk T1A
Operating Life:
1974 - current
Registration:
XX260
UAS Location: Hangar 1
Served with: RAF Red Arrows Display Team
Maximum Speed:
639mph at 30,00 ft /
Mach 0.84 at altitude
Mach 1.2 in a dive
Range: 1,565 miles
Engines:
1 x Turbomeca Adour Mk 861
Service Ceiling:
44,500ft (13,565m)
Length & Height:
12.43m (40ft 9") x 3.98m (13ft 1")
Wingspan:
9.94m (32ft 7")
Rate of Climb:
47m/s (9,3000ft / min)​
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Drone Image: EDGAR ENGLAND
Firstly, come and sit in the real Hawk aircraft.
Follow that up with a flight within our Flight Sims & VR Suite, where you can fly the Red Arrows' plane around the Mourne Mountains in our state-of-the-art Flight simulators (we've THREE of them!) in Suite 1.
Lastly, put on a Meta Quest Pro VR head-set (we've SIX of them!) and fly virtually in formation with the Red Arrows display team in our Suite 2.
A unique experience that can ONLY be provided at the Ulster Aviation Society. No other aviation museum in the world will give you this experience.