RAF

High in the Skies With Three BAE Hawk TMk2s

Pictured are three Hawk TMk2s from IV(R) Sqn, RAF Valley, Anglesey. The BAE Hawk TMk2 is one of the most advanced fast jet training aircraft in the world, and is the lead-in aircraft for fast jet pilots progressing to front line aircraft such as Typhoon, Tornado and F-35.

The aircraft has a similar digital cockpit to the jets that the pilots will move on to. This, combined with high technology simulation and mission planning systems, has made the military fast jet training system in the UK more efficient and effective.

Number IV(R) Squadron trains Royal Air Force and Royal Navy fast jet pilots and is one of the oldest squadrons in the RAF.

Formed in 1912 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, it is now based at RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, North Wales.

The image was captured by Flt Lt Paul Heasman, a Qualified Flying Instructor with IV(R) Squadron on a routine training flight over North Wales.