Designed to counteract the threat posed by advanced 1950s Soviet-built aircraft, the first HAWK unit became operational in 1959. At its peak, it saw frontline service in the Far East, Panama, Europe, and in the Middle East. Units were also used during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War. In the hands of other nations, HAWK proved its efficacy in combat during the Arab-Israeli Wars, Iran-Iraq War, Chadian-Libyan War, and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Credited with shooting down more than 100 aircraft during its combat career, the HAWK system was respected for its lethality. Such was Soviet concern, that it developed electronic jammers, anti-radiation missiles, and other countermeasures specifically to degrade its effectiveness. The US retired its HAWK systems soon after the Cold War ended in 1991 when air defense priorities shifted from aircraft to ballistic missile defense, yet, a modernized version of the system remains in service to this day in many nations. Packed with archive photos and original artwork, this is the first book about the HAWK system. Featuring research from HAWK technical and field manuals, interviews with HAWK veterans, and detailing the authors' personal experiences with HAWK missile units, it provides a comprehensive study of one of the most lethal and effective air missile systems of all time.
Having shot down more than 100 aircraft during its operational life, the HAWK system was known for its lethal effectiveness. The Soviet Union was so concerned that it developed electronic jammers, anti-radiation missiles, and other countermeasures to impair its effectiveness. The US withdrew its HAWK systems from service soon after the end of the Cold War in 1991, as air defence priorities shifted from aircraft to ballistic missile defence. However, a modernised version of the system is still in service in many countries today. This is the first book on the HAWK system and contains numerous archive photos and original graphics. With research in HAWK technical and field manuals, interviews with HAWK veterans and the authors' personal experiences with HAWK missile units, it provides a comprehensive study of one of the deadliest and most effective missile systems of all time.
