Blackburn developed an Advanced Weapons/Point Defence fighter based on the Athena T Mk. 1. Originally designated “Rapier”, the in-service aircraft was eventually christened Athena ATF (Advanced Trainer/Fighter). This armed version was equipped with 4 hardpoints capable of carrying 6 AAM or ASM (or a mixture), and two ventral 30mm Aden gunpods. Fuel capacity was increased to maintain adequate endurance for the uprated Rolls Royce RB 147 engine, which developed about 50% more power than the 145 fitted to the Athena T mk. 1. Other changes included inboard trailing edge flaps and extended wingtips, which gave the The Athena ATF greater manoeuvrability with respect to the T Mk. 1.
The Athena ATF soon became the Hawk’s nemesis, with superior speed and handling characteristics. Above transonic, it was capable of M0.95 in level flight (M1.0 at altitude), and M1.5 in a shallow dive, while Roll Rate was around 600°/sec.
Crew accommodation was unchanged, with the height differential cockpit that made the Athena so popular with students and instructors retained, along with the Martin-Baker Mk 10B zero-zero rocket-assisted ejection seats. The canopy was treated with a Tin Iridium Gold (TIG) coating to reduce glare, and the comprehensive weapons suite was fitted in the rear cockpit. A retractable air to air refuelling probe was again fitted as standard, and an uprated Ram Air Turbine was installed forward of the tail fin to provide power for avionics and hydraulic systems in the event of engine failure. The Blackburn Athena ATF was the go-to aircraft for many air forces wishing to find a small, cost effective fighter to fill the role between trainer and fighter.
Nose wheel steering on the stick,
AG1+VTOL Flaps
AG2+VTOL Raise/Retract Refuel probe
AG3 Nav Lights

Land with 12-14% throttle and full flaps.
TakeOff with or without flaps, as desired.

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