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BAE Systems upgrades UK RAF’s software

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CIOL Bureau
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Hawk cockpitNEW DELHI, INDIA: BAE Systems, a defence, security and aerospace company, on Tuesday said that it has upgraded the existing software on the UK Royal Air Force's (RAF) Hawk TMk2.

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The software upgrade, referred to as Operational Capability 2 (OC2), is a sophisticated enhancement on the RAF’s Hawk Tmk2, said a press release.

The software provides the Hawk with simulated radar and sensor capability, including a radar warning receiver, defensive aids, and an enhanced weapons suite that includes medium range air-to-air missiles, the release added.

With the new upgrade the aircraft can also simulate the threat posed by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile site. OC2 is fully integrated with mission planning and debrief systems, which allow the student pilot to plan, train and fly simulated missions using synthetic radar, claimed the company.

The pilot can also carry out virtual operational manoeuvres to defeat threats using synthetic weapons. The software will enable the trainee pilot to train longer in a Hawk before moving their training to front line operational aircraft such as Tornado, Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II, better preparing the trainee pilots of the future at an affordable cost.

Wing Commander Brian Braid, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said, “The new TMk2 is an absolute step change in the way we can conduct our fast jet flying training. The pilots experience a totally different training environment. Now the navigating and flying is the easy part. The real challenge is trying to interpret the information and interact with the technology.