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RSAF Hawks Mark 100,000 Flying Hours

13 Jun 2005

Saudi Hawk aircraft have notched up over 100,000 hours of flying time.

Hawk Mk65 aircraft in use with the Royal Saudi Air Force were supplied to the Royal Saudi Air Force by BAE Systems, with the first aircraft going into service in the 1980s. The Royal Saudi Air Force is one of the most experienced users of the aircraft in the world.

A ceremony to mark the 100,000 hours at King Faisal Air Base in Tabuk was attended by His Highness Lt General Prince Abdul Rahman bin Fahd Al Faisal, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Prince Rahman praised the officers and men of the Royal Saudi Air Force involved in the Hawk aircraft programme for reaching the milestone. He also thanked BAE Systems for its many years of support to the Air Force.

John Broadbent, BAE Systems’ general manager in Tabuk commented. “Our company built these aircraft and, together with our Royal Saudi Air Force colleagues, we have been supporting their operation since they arrived. This 100,000th hour of flying the Hawks is a great achievement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

The Hawks have maintenance work carried out by increasing numbers of Saudi engineers. In 2000, BAE Systems launched a technician training programme for young Saudis. Since the programme began, over 80 have either graduated or are in the process of completing training on the rigorous five-year course.

“The maintenance of fast jets is totally different from work on propeller aircraft,” John Broadbent said. “Because of this our training programme has been instrumental in the transfer of more technology and expertise to the Kingdom.”

The Hawks in the Kingdom are used for fast jet pilot training. They are also the aircraft of choice for the Royal Saudi Air Force Saqoor Saudia aerobatic display team (as they are for many other display teams around the world).

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of over 13 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.

For further information, please contact:

Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems (at Paris)
Tel: +44 (0)1772 856034 Fax : +44 (0) 1772 852713
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com