Saudi's new Hawk trainer makes first flight

The first flight of a new-generation Hawk advanced jet trainer set for Saudi Arabia has made its maiden flight with manufacturer BAE Systems in the UK

The aircraft is one of 22 Mk 165 examples on order for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). The debut flight was performed by BAE test pilot Andy Blyth.

According to Flightglobal, The Saudi government signed a contract for the type in May 2012 as part of a deal that also included 55 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers – deliveries of which started in June 2014.

According to a schedule released by BAE when it received the Saudi Arabian order, deliveries of the new Hawk fleet will commence in 2016.