§ Mr. Grocottasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Hawk aircraft will provide full fast jet training for the RAF; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WellbelovedThe first of the Hawks ordered for the Royal Air Force was delivered in October 1976. The programme to replace the Gnat with the Hawk for RAF fast jet training is under way and is planned to be completed in 1979. The programme to replace the Hunter with the Hawk for RAF weapons training should start later this year and is planned to be completed towards the end of 1980. The first RAF students to receive full fast jet/weapon training in the226W Hawk are due to graduate towards the end of 1978.