A pair of Hawk T2 aircraft from the RAF’s IV Squadron undertook a series of planned exercises in high temperatures to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities in testing conditions.

The demonstration included low-level sorties and extended taxiing designed to exacerbate the affects of temperature and prove the Hawk’s ability to operate in conditions typically found in the summer months in the Gulf.

The Hawk is regarded as the most proven military fast-jet trainer in the world, with more than 1,000 aircraft ordered and more than 4 million flying hours.

Peter Kosogorin, a Hawk and Typhoon test pilot from BAE Systems Flight Operations, said: “We were exceptionally well supported by the team from the RAF’s IV Squadron, which enabled us to show that the Hawk can carry out all the necessary exercises at high temperatures.

"In addition, the support team from the RAF consistently ‘turned it around’ in under 40min, demonstrating its flexibility and efficiency.”

The Hawk has been the training aircraft of choice in the Gulf for decades, featuring an advanced airborne simulation technology and next-generation cockpit design.