Hawk 109
BAE Systems · United Kingdom · first flew 1992 · fighter
The Hawk 109 is the designation applied to BAE Systems Hawk 100-series aircraft delivered to Abu Dhabi / UAE, combining the Hawk's advanced trainer airframe with a digital cockpit and expanded weapons-carriage capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.96 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Hawk 100-series tandem cockpit with revised front instrument panel
- Single ventral Adour intake with smooth oval section
- Five underwing hardpoints including wingtip missile rails
Standard Hawk 100-series silhouette: long continuous canopy over tandem seats, ventral chin intake, low swept wing. Compared to the basic Hawk 60-series, the 100-series has a noticeably more angular nose housing additional avionics. Wingtip AIM-9 rails distinguish armed configurations.
Specifications
- The Hawk 109 has a length of 11.96 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.94 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1040 km/h (646 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The UAE Air Force selected the Hawk 100 series in the late 1980s to replace older jet trainers and provide a lead-in fighter training capability. Deliveries of the Hawk 109 began in the early 1990s, providing the Abu Dhabi Air Force with a type that could serve both as an advanced trainer and a light strike platform. The aircraft were integrated into UAE jet pilot training alongside more capable front-line fighters.
Variants
The Hawk 109 is essentially the Hawk Mk.109, a 100-series export variant. It is closely related to the Hawk 102 (Indonesia) and Hawk 103 (Brunei). The two-seat 100 series is complemented by the single-seat 200 series light combat aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the UAE Air Force (Abu Dhabi component), the Hawk 109 has provided both advanced jet training and light attack capability. The UAE also operates the Hawk 63, a single-seat 60-series variant, alongside the 109.
Related aircraft
- Hawk 129
- BAe Hawk 200
- SEPECAT Jaguar GR.3A
- BAE Systems Harrier GR.9
- General Dynamics X-62 VISTA
- Yakovlev Yak-44
- Eurofighter Typhoon
- F/A-18 Super Hornet
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