The Hawk T1 is equipped with a powerful airbrake, located on the underside of the rear fuselage.

A spring-loaded AIR BRAKE - IN/OUT switch is located on the top of each throttle lever. These or the spoiler control assignments can be used to retract or extend the airbrake. 

To prevent the airbrake from striking the ground during take-off or landing, the airbrake will automatically retract if extended when the landing gear is selected down using the normal (not standby) control. Subsequently, the airbrake cannot be selected out.

To facilitate testing of the airbrake on the ground, an AIR BRAKE TEST switch is fitted to the right console of the front cockpit. Moving the switch to the forward position allows the extension of the airbrake with the gear down.