RAF trainee pilots fly alongside French Air Force in Corsica for Exercise Freedom Hawk

The Royal Air Force's trainee pilots have participated in Exercise Freedom Hawk in Solenzara, Corsica.

Flying the Hawk T2 aircraft, the trainee fighter pilots got experience working alongside the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (French Air Force) in the Mediterranean spring weather.

The personnel from RAF Valley showed their French colleagues around the Hawk T2. 

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The training helped to increase the familiarity, instil confidence and build trust between the two air forces.

RAF Valley helps to train the UK's next generation of fighter pilots and while they are on Anglesey, the aircrew learn how to conduct mountain and maritime operations globally.

The station was created in 1941 and throughout the Second World War, it was used to protect Merseyside and the Irish Sea from the Axis powers.

The Hawk T2 aircraft, which has a 9m wingspan, has two types, the Hawk T.Mk 1 and T.Mk 2.

The trainee pilots would use the Hawk T.Mk 2 at RAF Valley as part of their phase two training in the RAF.

The aircraft is perfect for the RAF's next generation of pilots to train in because the aircraft's glass cockpit and avionics suite give the personnel a realistic advanced fast jet training experience.

The pilots can replicate air-to-ground 'weapon drops' and lifelike electronic warfare training against surface-to-air missiles.

The Red Arrows utilise the Hawk T. Mk 1 for their acrobatic displays.

Key facts

BAE Systems Hawk T.Mk 2:

Engine: One 6,500lb st (28.91kN) Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 951 turbofan

Length: 40ft 9in (12.43m)

Height: 13ft 1in (3.98m)

Wingspan: 29ft 9in (9.08m)

Wing area: 179.64sqft (16.70m2)

Maximum take-off weight: 20,000lb (9,100kg)

RAF training 

Phase One training typically takes 24 weeks with initial officer training at RAF Cranwell.

A would-be pilot then does 27 weeks of Phase Two training – elementary flying training with the Tutor or Prefect aircraft.

Phase Two training then continues for up to another two years depending on the type of aircraft the pilot will end up flying.

This can be fast jet training at RAF Valley (two years), Multi-Engine training at Cranwell (10 months), Rotary Wing training at RAF Shawbury (18 months) or RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system – a drone) training at RAF Waddington (nine months).