FSX RAF 2001 Display Hawk

This freeware repaint, created by Gordon Barnes, brings the 2001 RAF demonstration aircraft from 19 Squadron at RAF Valley directly into Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It depicts the distinctive livery seen on the BAe Hawk as it toured UK airshows during that season. Designed for the payware Sky Sim BAe Hawk Mk1 (front-seat variant), this package focuses on faithfully replicating exterior details and color markings while preserving authentic Royal Air Force visuals.

Historical Background and Aircraft Details

The BAe Hawk T.Mk1 (also referred to as the Hawk T1) is a single-engine advanced jet trainer commonly used by the Royal Air Force for pilot instruction and aerobatic demonstrations. In 2001, 19 Squadron operated this particular Hawk at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, showcasing its agility and performance in numerous aerial displays across the United Kingdom. Gordon Barnes has captured these dramatic touches with high-resolution textures, ensuring virtual aviators enjoy a classic piece of aviation history.

Focus on Realistic Markings

Because 19 Squadron emphasized crowd-pleasing routines, the repaint exhibits the signature red and dark-tone accents characteristic of that year’s demonstration scheme. Each detail has been carefully replicated to reflect the aesthetic seen on the actual aircraft. This approach benefits simulation pilots looking for visual immersion during high-speed passes and precision maneuvers.

Adapting the Texture

This repaint is specifically designed for the front seat only variant of the payware Sky Sim Hawk T.Mk1. The underlying model was originally developed by Rick Piper and the Skysim team. Please note that this downloadable package provides only the texture and does not include the base aircraft, which must be acquired from a payware source. Once installed, the livery can be selected in FSX as part of the aircraft’s available paint schemes.

Installation Steps

1. Locate and open the “SkySim Hawk T.Mk1 FrontSeat” folder in your Microsoft Flight Simulator X directory.
2. Copy the entire texture.xx325 folder into that location. Ensure no files are overwritten unintentionally.
3. Add the following data to the aircraft.cfg file, substituting “xx” with your next available sequence number:

[fltsim.xx]
title=BAe Hawk T1 2001 Display Hawk
sim=HawkT1
model=frontseat
panel=
sound=
texture=XX325
kb_checklists=HawkT1_check
kb_reference=HawkT1_ref
ui_manufacturer="BAe"
ui_type="Hawk T.Mk1"
ui_variation="2008 Display Hawk"
ui_typerole="Single Engine Jet Trainer"
ui_createdby="Gordon Barnes"
atc_id=XX325
atc_airline=AIRFORCE
atc_flight_number=XX325
description=2001 Display Hawk based at RAF Valley.
\copyrights 2008 Rick Piper & Skysim

Enhancing Your Simulator Experience

Once all steps are completed, you will be able to load this embodiment of the RAF 2001 airshow Hawk inside Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Its high-lift wing and robust Rolls-Royce powerplant make it an excellent choice for test flights and aerobatic presentations. The recognizable paintwork assures a visual treat, particularly during formation exercises or low-level flybys.

Enjoy taking this hallmark of RAF heritage into the virtual skies. Feel free to explore its fast handling characteristics and experiment with dynamic routines similar to those performed at air displays. This repaint owes its authenticity to Gordon Barnes, who meticulously captured the aircraft’s attributes to deliver a historically accurate texture set.