Newsletter 6
Summer 2004
Updated on 10Jul2004

Published by the Hawker Association for the Members.
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Hawk Anniversary

August 24th this year is the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the first Hawk, XX154, by Duncan Simpson from Dunsfold. CA Release was granted in April 1976 and No.4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley started operations in the following November, just 27 months from first flight. The Hawk is still in service with the RAF in flying training and weapon training roles as well as having many other specialised uses. Over 900 Hawks have now been sold to 19 air arms, world-wide; and it continues to sell. Those of us who contributed to this outstanding record can feel justly proud.
Another Anniversary

April 6th this year was the 10th anniversary of the first flight of the first Eurofighter from Warton. The RAF accepted their first Typhoon, as the type has been named, on 30th June 2004, 123 months from first flight, and the Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit, No.17 (Reserve) Squadron, is now flying four two-seaters from BAES Warton. In July next year the aircraft will move to RAF Coningsby. Those of us who were reprimanded by our northern colleagues for being a few weeks late delivering some export Hawks can be excused a quiet chuckle.