8 November 2021
The new
v1.1 update for our stunning
Hawk T1/A Advanced Trainer for Microsoft Flight Simulator is now available, bringing you many new features and improvements based on customer feedback - you can see all the details in the
Support section and the first video on the Hawk page also looks at some of the new features.
If you're still exploring the Hawk's systems and functionality, here are 15 things you might not know about the aircraft:
1. The Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which provides positional information to the main AI and HSI, includes realistic gyro spin-up rates and gyro drift that is affected by a control which is set to the aircraft’s current latitude to provide automatic correction.
2. The oxygen consumption rate is affected by factors such as the number of crew and the G-force, so watch your contents gauge if you are performing high-G manoeuvres with two crew on board! The system can be refilled on the ground via the EFB tablet.
3. A functioning Ram Air Turbine (RAT) supplies hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event of an engine failure, with its output varying depending on airspeed. During engine shutdown on the ground, you might notice the RAT extending as the No.2 hydraulic system pressure drops, and then retracting automatically once the pressure has dissipated, just like the real aircraft.
4. The front and rear pilots feature arm (throttle), leg (rudder) and head (aileron/rudder) animations, as well as helmet visors which extend or retract depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Both pilots are visible from the cockpit as well as in the exterior view.
5. Although the Hawk T1 isn’t equipped with airframe icing protection, canopy de-icing can be achieved by setting the air conditioning selector to DEMIST/FLOOD and increasing the temperature to warm. Keep a close eye on the nose and wing leading edges for any visible signs of icing!
6. The aircraft features a fully functional cabin pressurisation system. The cabin altitude is automatically controlled but requires the air conditioning to be configured correctly, the engine to be running and the canopy to be closed to avoid rapid depressurisation. A cabin altitude of 20,000ft when flying at 40,000ft tells you why the oxygen masks are required!
7. The custom-coded electrical system features two batteries, an engine-driven DC generator, three static inverters for AC supplies and multiple associated busbars. All systems, controls and instruments are realistically powered, with standby/emergency back-up and generator-tripping functionality.
8. High pressure nitrogen standby systems allow you to extend the flaps and landing gear in the event of an engine or hydraulic systems failure. Inertia switches trigger a crash relay in the event of rapid deceleration, automatically firing the extinguisher and disconnecting electrical power to prevent a fire.
9. A variety of payloads can be selected, from the Red Arrows diesel smoke tank to AIM-9 missiles, and these all add weight to the aircraft (including the pylons), affecting performance and handling. Be careful to check the aircraft weight on the EFB and fly those approaches a bit faster if your aircraft is heavily laden.
10. The aircraft is equipped with a VHF (COM 1) and UHF (COM 2) radio in the front cockpit, and 20 frequency presets can be saved and then recalled for each radio. This allows you to quickly save commonly used frequencies for later use, with the frequency preset cards on each side of the glareshield being sync'd in real time.
11. Both the front and rear cockpits are fully functional, with independent controls and instruments (e.g. altimeters and lighting). The aircraft can be flown from either cockpit but make sure you configure the rear cockpit before flight if you’ll be flying solo from the front cockpit! The rear (instructor) cockpit has the ability to transfer flap and landing gear control to the front (student) cockpit, and can override the front cockpit weapon controls. You can quickly jump between cockpits using the EFB, camera presets or a control assignment.
12. Hydraulically operated Powered Flying Control Units (PFCUs) control the ailerons and tailplane, with independent power coming from the No.1 and No.2 hydraulic systems to minimise the chances of complete loss of control. Control stick movement on the ground is limited without power to the PFCUs, and you can see hydraulic system pressure drops with rapid control inputs (or flap/gear/airbrake extension), even resulting in RAT deployment if you’re too vigorous at low RPM!
13. Multiple effects add to the immersion of the aircraft, including GTS and engine exhaust haze, Red Arrows display smoke, contrails and wing vortices, which are affected by temperature, pressure, angle-of-attack and speed.
14. The combination of its 48,000ft service ceiling, M0.75 cruise speed, extended range with drop tanks fitted, IFR-capable instruments and TACAN/VOR/ILS receivers make the Hawk T1 a great private jet as well as military trainer - with no need to worry about the fuel bill!
15. Even the ejection seat height adjustment switches work, allowing you to raise or lower your viewpoint!
