Canada's Esterline CMC Electronics upgraded Finnish air force Hawk Mk66 advanced trainer has taken its first flight. Patria selected CMC to provide its cockpit 4000 avionics suite upgrade to the service's fleet of Mk66 trainer aircraft. In January 2007, CMC also provided similar enhancements to the air force's Mk51 trainer aircraft. The air force will have a fleet of 26 upgraded Hawks, consisting 18 Mk66 and 8 Mk51 advanced trainers, said CMC.

The Hawks provide basic and advanced training at Kauhava air base for pilots of the Boeing F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornet-equipped front-line team, added the company.

Source: Flight Daily News