BAE Systems Hawk T.1
The BAE Systems (BAE) Hawk is an advanced jet trainer which first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. It is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft. The most famous RAF operator of the Hawk is the Red Arrows aerobatic team, which adopted the plane in 1979.
The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force. The Red Arrows flew nine aircraft in displays from time to time from mid-1966 onwards, but it was not until 1968 that the Team was officially increased in size to nine. Although there was nothing new in flying nine aircraft in a diamond-shaped formation, the Red Arrowsf perfectly symmetrical 'Diamond Nine' quickly came to represent the peak of precision flying and it was eventually registered as an official trade mark.
Since the Team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 52 countries.