RAF grounds Hawk T2 training jets after runway engine issue

The Royal Air Force says it has paused training flights on its fleet of Hawk T2 jets after a "recent issue on the runway" involving a TMk2 engine.

An RAF spokesperson confirmed flying has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure, pending results of a technical investigation.

The RAF Hawk T2 training jet – like its T1 sister – is a fully aerobatic, low-wing, transonic, two-seat training aircraft.

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The T2 has a glass cockpit and avionics suite to provide a realistic advanced fast jet training platform.

The on-board simulation capability also enables air-to-ground 'weapon drops', realistic electronic warfare training against surface-to-air missile systems and other complex operational scenarios.

Hawk T2 Stats

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

Length: 40ft 9in (12.43m)

Height: 13ft 1in (3.98m)

Wingspan: 32ft 7in (9.94m)

Wing area: 179.64sqft (16.70m2)

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