TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 193

CONFIDENTIAL

3RD DRAFT

to train pilots to fly fast jet aircraft and will replace the

Gnat and the Hunter. A particular feature of the Hawk, as

a two-seat trainer, will be excellent all-round visibility

from the rear seat. It will be the first British-designed

military aircraft to be built to metric standards and will be

powered by a version of the Adour engine used in the Jaguar.

/Maritime Harrier

15. The project definition study of a maritime version of the

Harrier has been completed. Decision on further development

to be inserted, if appropriate, when decisions are taken_7

Nimrod

16.

Major modifications to the radar, navigation, acoustic

and tactical systems of the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft

are being developed to improve its capability to detect,

shadow and attack submarines and surface vessels.

New Airborne Early Warning System

17. The provision of a new airborne early warning system in the

longer term is being studied. The airborne early warning task

is at present undertaken by the Gannet and Shackleton force.

Ground Attack

18. Methods of improving conventional weapons to increase the

Royal Air Force's air-to-ground attack capabilities in the

1980s are being studied.

GUIDED WEAPONS

Sea Wolf

19. Sea Wolf, a short-range surface-to-air guided-weapon system,

is being developed primarily to provide ships with a means of

VII-6

CONFIDENTIAL