Westland Lynx

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Lynx / Super Lynx
Lynx HAS3 of the Black Cats (Royal Navy) display team
Role	Helicopter
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Westland Helicopters AgustaWestland
First flight	21 March 1971
Introduced	1978
Status	Active service
Primary users	British Army Royal Navy French Navy German Navy
Produced	1978-date
Variants	AgustaWestland AW159 Westland 30

The Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants, which went into operational usage in 1977 and were later adopted by the armed forces of over a dozen nations, where it primarily serves in the battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare roles. The helicopter is now produced and marketed by AgustaWestland.

Contents 1 Development 2 Operational history 3 Design 4 Variants 4.1 Land-based variants 4.2 Naval variants 4.3 Export variants 4.4 Projects 4.5 Derivatives 5 Operators 5.1 Military operators 5.2 Law Enforcement Operators 6 Specifications (Super Lynx Series 100) 7 See also 8 References 9 External links 9.1 Photos and videos

[edit] Development

The initial design (then known as the Westland WG.13) was started in the mid-1960s as a replacement for the Westland Scout and Wasp, and a more advanced alternative to the UH-1 Iroquois.^[1] As part of the Anglo-French helicopter agreement signed in February 1967, the French company Aérospatiale were given a work share in the manufacturing programme.^[2] Aérospatiale received 30% of production with Westland performing the remainder.^[3] It was intended that France would buy Lynxes for its Navy and as an armed reconnaissance helicopter for the French Army, with Britain buying Aérospatiale Gazelles and Pumas for its armed forces. The French Army cancelled its requirement for Lynxes in October 1969.^[2]

The Lynx design used many components derived from the Scout and Wasp. However, the rotor was new, being of a semi-rigid design with honeycomb sandwich blades.^[4] The first Lynx prototype took its maiden flight on 21 March 1971.^[3][5]

In 1972, a Lynx broke the world speed record over 15 and 25 km by flying at 321.74 km/h (199.92 mph). It also set a new 100 km closed circuit record shortly afterwards, flying at 318.504 km/h (197.91 mph).^[6]

In 1986, the former company demonstrator Lynx, registered G-LYNX, was specially modified with Gem 60 engines and BERP (British Experimental Rotor Programme) rotor blades.^[7] On 11 August 1986 the helicopter was piloted by Trevor Egginton when it set an absolute speed record for helicopters over a 15 and 25 km course by reaching 400.87 km/h (249.09 mph);^[8] a record it currently holds.^[9]

Over 100 Lynxes were ordered by the British Army as Lynx AH (Army Helicopter) Mk.1 for different roles, such as transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (with eight TOW missiles), reconnaissance and evacuation. The Army has fitted a Marconi Elliot AFCS system onto the Lynx for automatic stabilisation on three axis.^[4] Deliveries of production Lynxes began in 1977.^[3]

Westland developed the improved Lynx versions known as the Battlefield Lynx and Super Lynx for the British Army and Royal Navy, respectively.^[3]

[edit] Operational history

In British service it equips the Army Air Corps (AAC) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). For the AAC the Lynx AH.7 and AH.9 operate as attack/utility helicopters. Army owned Lynx AH.7 and AH.9 are also in service with the FAA where they operate as attack/utility helicopters in support of the Royal Marines. Lynx HAS.3 and HMA.8 operate as anti-submarine warfare and maritime attack helicopters equipped with the Stingray torpedo, Sea Skua anti-ship missile and depth charge for Royal Navy warships.

The Lynx's most prominent combat role was operating the Sea Skua to devastating effect against the Iraqi Navy during the 1991 Gulf War. The Lynx also saw service with British Army forces during that conflict. The HAS.2 naval ASW variant had already taken part in combat operations in British service during the Falklands War in 1982. None were shot down, but three were lost aboard vessels hit by Argentine bombs or Exocets, one on the MV Atlantic Conveyor and one each on board HMS Coventry and HMS Ardent.^[10]

It was used during Operation Barras to rescue 11 British soldiers in Sierra Leone on 10 September 2000.

The most recent wartime mission for the Lynx was during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. It has also seen extensive service during peacekeeping operations and exercises, and it is standard equipment for most Royal Navy surface combatants when they deploy.

A British Lynx from 847 Naval Air Squadron was shot down over Basra, Iraq on 6 May 2006. The helicopter is believed to have been downed by either a missile or more likely, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). The Lynx crashed into a house and burst into flames, killing all five on board, including the Commanding Officer of 847 NAS. A riot followed with locals celebrating the downing of the helicopter and surrounding the crash site as British troops rushed to the scene. This was the first British helicopter and only the second British aircraft downed (the first was an RAF Hercules) due to enemy fire in the war. A flight of either AAC or RM Lynx AH.7s are based at Basra Air Station under command of the Joint Helicopter Force (Iraq) on a rotational basis,^[11] but are restricted operationally during the Summer months due to the very high daytime temperatures which affect lifting capacity and endurance dramatically.

[edit] Design

The Lynx is a multi-purpose helicopter design with a side by side cockpit for pilot and observer. It features a large sliding crew door on each side giving access to the cabin which can be used to accommodate up to 9 troops dependant on seating configuration, or alternatively radio equipment when used in the command post role or surplus fuel for long journeys.^[12] Its twin Rolls Royce Gem turboshaft engines power a four-blade semi-rigid main rotor system.^[12][13][14] The Lynx is an agile helicopter, capable of performing loops and rolls.

[edit] Variants

[edit] Land-based variants

Westland WG.13

Prototype, first flight 21 March 1971.

Lynx AH.1

Initial production version for the British Army Air Corps, with over 100 examples built. Used for a variety of tasks, including tactical transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (equipped with eight TOW missiles), reconnaissance and casualty evacuation.

Lynx AH.1GT

Interim conversion of the AH.1 to partial AH.7 standard for the Army Air Corps.

Lynx AH.5

Upgraded version for the Army Air Corps. Only five were built, of which four were later upgraded to AH.7 standard and one was retained for trials work as an AH.5X.

Lynx AH.6

Proposed version for the Royal Marines, not built.

Lynx AH.7

Upgraded version for the Army Air Corps. A small number also used by the Fleet Air Arm in support of the Royal Marines. Now replaced by the WAH-64 Apache as the main attack helicopter.

Lynx AH.7(DAS)

AH.7 with Defensive Aids Subsystem.

Lynx AH.9 ("Battlefield Lynx")

British Army version of the Super Lynx (AH.7 with wheeled undercarriage).

[edit] Naval variants

Lynx HAS.2 / HAS.2(FN)

Initial production version for the Royal Navy (HAS.2) and the French Navy (HAS.2(FN)). When it is used in the anti-submarine role, it is equipped with two torpedoes or depth charges and a dipping sonar. For anti-surface warfare, it is equipped with either four Sea Skua missiles (Royal Navy) or four AS.12 missiles (French Navy).

Lynx HAS.3

Improved version of HAS.2.

Lynx HAS.3(S)

Improved version of the HAS.3 for the Royal Navy fitted with secure radio systems.

Lynx HAS.3(GM(S))

Nineteen modified helicopters for the Royal Navy, for service in the Persian Gulf (GM denotes Gulf Modification).

Lynx HAS.3(ICE(S))

Two helicopters for the Royal Navy for use in the Antarctic.

Lynx HAS.4(FN)

Upgraded version for the Aéronavale.

Lynx HMA.8

Upgraded maritime attack version.

Lynx HMA.8(DSP)

Digital Signal Processor.

Lynx HMA.8(DAS)

Defensive Aids Subsystem. (DSP aircraft modified).

Lynx HMA.8(SRU)

SATURN (Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) Radio Upgrade. (DAS aircraft modified. Incorporates SIFF (Successor to IFF)).

Lynx HMA.8(CMP)

Combined Mods Programme. (SRU aircraft modified with improved comms).

All SRU aircraft have been modified to CMP standard. HMA.8(CMP) has since been re-designated HMA.8(SRU) to confuse matters. All Lynx HAS.8 will eventually be at the CMP/SRU standard. The first entered service in late 2008.

[edit] Export variants

Lynx Mk.21

Export version of the HAS.2 for the Brazilian Navy. Brazilian navy designation SAH-11.

Super Lynx Mk.21A

Export version of the Super Lynx for the Brazilian navy.

Lynx Mk.22

Unbuilt export version for the Egyptian Navy.

Lynx Mk.23

Export version of the HAS.2 for the Argentine Navy. Later sold to Brazil and Denmark.

Lynx Mk.24

Unbuilt export version for the Iraqi army.

Lynx Mk.25

Export version of the HAS.2 for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Designated UH-14A in Dutch service.

Lynx Mk.26

Unbuilt export version for the Iraqi army.

Lynx Mk.27

Export version for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Designated SH-14B in Dutch service.

Lynx Mk.28

Export version of the AH.1 for the Qatar Police.

Lynx Mk.64

Export version of the Super Lynx for the South African Air Force.

Lynx Mk.80

Export version of the HAS.2 for the Royal Danish Navy.

Lynx Mk.81

Export version for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Designated SH-14C in Dutch service.

SH-14D

UH-14A/SH-14B/SH-14C Lynx upgraded to a common standard by the Royal Netherlands Navy under the STAMOL programme.^[15]

Lynx Mk.82

Unbuilt export version for the Egyptian army.

Lynx Mk.83

Unbuilt export version for the Saudi Arabian army.

Lynx Mk 84

Unbuilt export version for the Qatar army.

Lynx Mk 85

Unbuilt export version for the United Arab Emirates army.

Lynx Mk.86

Export version of the HAS.2 for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Lynx Mk.87

Embargoed export version of the Argentine navy.

Lynx Mk.88

Export version for the German Navy.

Super Lynx Mk.88A

Upgraded version of the Lynx Mk.88 for the German Navy.

Lynx Mk.89

Export version for the Nigerian navy.

Lynx Mk.90

Export version for the Royal Danish Navy.

Lynx Mk.90A

Upgraded version of the Lynx Mk.80 for the Royal Danish Navy (retro-fitted with BERP-rotors)

Super Lynx Mk.90B

Upgraded versions of the Mk.90A and Lynx Mk.90 for the Royal Danish Navy.

Lynx Mk.95

Export version of the HAS.8 for the Portuguese Navy.

Lynx Mk.99

Export version of the HAS.8 for the South Korean Navy.

Super Lynx Mk.100

Export version for the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Super Lynx Mk.120

Export version for the Royal Air Force of Oman.

Super Lynx Mk.130

Export version for the Algerian Navy.

Super Lynx 300

Export version of the Super Lynx.

[edit] Projects

Lynx HT.3

Proposed training version for the Royal Air Force, not built.

Lynx-3

Enhanced Lynx variant with Westland 30 tail boom and rotor, Gem 60 engines, new wheeled tricycle undercarriage and MIL-STD-1553 databus. Only one prototype built (serial/registration ZE477 / G-17-24) in 1984.^[16]

Battlefield Lynx

Proposed export version of Lynx AH.9.

Battlefield Lynx 800

Proposed export version of Lynx AH.9 with LHTEC T800 engines,^[17] the project was suspended in 1992.^[18] One demonstrator helicopter was built and flight tested.^[19]

Lynx ACH

Proposed Advanced Compound Helicopter technology demonstrator, partly funded by the Ministry of Defence. Announced in May 1998, the ACH was planned to be powered by RTM322 engines with variable area exhaust nozzles and a gearbox from the Westland 30-200, have wings attached at cabin roof level and BERP rotor blades. It was predicted to fly approximately 50% faster than a standard Lynx.^[20]

[edit] Derivatives

Westland 30

medium helicopter based on the Lynx, using some dynamic systems with a new, enlarged fuselage for up to 22 passengers.

AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat

a development of the Super Lynx with two LHTEC CTS800 engines; previously known as the Future Lynx.

NOTES: AH = Army Helicopter, HAS = Helicopter, Anti-Submarine, HMA = Helicopter, Maritime Attack, IFF = Identification Friend or Foe, (GM) = Gulf Modification, (S) = Secure speech radio, and SIFF = Successor to IFF.

[edit] Operators

[edit] Military operators

 Algeria

• Algerian Air Force: Super Lynx 4 Mk.300 (to be delivered in 2009)

 Argentina

• Argentine Navy ordered ten Mk.23s but only two were delivered before the outbreak of the Falklands War and the ensuing arms embargo imposed by the British. To make up for the undelivered aircraft, the Argentines ordered the Eurocopter Fennec. The two delivered helicopters in addition to the undelivered helicopters were later sold to the Danish Navy and Brazilian Navy.

 Brazil

• Brazilian Navy: 12 Lynx Mk.21A

 Denmark

• Royal Danish Navy: 8 Super Lynx Mk.90B's used for search and rescue and operates from the Thetis-class patrol vessels

 France

• French Navy: 31 Lynx HAS.4

 Germany

• German Navy: 22 Sea Lynx Mk.88A

 Malaysia

• Royal Malaysian Navy: 6 Lynx Mk.100

 Netherlands

• Royal Netherlands Navy: 20 Super Lynx SH-14D. Originally received 6 search and rescue (UH-14A/Mk.25) and 18 anti-submarine warfare models (SH-14B/Mk.27 and SH-14C/Mk.81), which have all been upgraded to SH-14D standard for both SAR and ASW duties.

 Nigeria

• Nigerian Navy: 2 Lynx Mk.89 - used for anti-submarine warfare

 Norway

• Royal Norwegian Air Force: 6 Lynx Mk.86 - operated on on behalf of the Norwegian Coast Guard. 337 Skvadron operates from the Nordkapp Class cutters.

 Oman

• Royal Air Force of Oman: 15 Super Lynx Mk.120

 Pakistan

• Pakistan Navy: 3 Lynx Mk.3 - used for anti-ship / anti-submarine / transport duties.

 Portugal

• Portuguese Navy 5 Lynx Mk.95 - operated from the "Vasco da Gama class frigates".

 South Africa

• South African Air Force: 4 Super Lynx Mk.64. Operates from the South African Navy Valour class frigates.^{[21] [22]}

 South Korea

• Republic of Korea Navy: 11 Lynx Mk.99 and 13 Super Lynx Mk.99A. Used for anti-submarine and surface warfare.

 Thailand

• Royal Thai Navy: 4 Super Lynx 300

 United Kingdom

• British Army - Army Air Corps: 120 Lynx AH.1/5/7/9.
• Royal Navy - Fleet Air Arm: 80 Lynx HAS.2/3/HMA8.

[edit] Law Enforcement Operators

 Qatar

• Qatar State Police

[edit] Specifications (Super Lynx Series 100)

Data from Flight International World Aircraft and Systems Directory (3rd ed.)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2 or 3
• Capacity: 737 kg
• Length: 15.241 m (50 ft)
• Rotor diameter: 12.80 m (42 ft)
• Height: 3.734 m for mk7; 3.785 m for mk9 (12.25 ft for mk7; 12.41 ft for mk9)
• Disc area: 128.71 m² (1,385 ft²)
• Empty weight: 3,291 kg (7,255 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 5,330 kg (11,750 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Rolls-Royce Gem turboshaft, 835 kW (1,120 shp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 324 km/h (201 mph)
• Range: 528 km (328 miles) with standard tanks

Armament

• Naval: 2 x torpedoes or 4x Sea Skua missiles or 2 x depth charges.
• Attack: 2 x 20mm cannons, 2 x 70mm rocket pods CRV7, 8 x TOW ATGM^[23]
• General: General Purpose Machine Guns (AH.7 and AH.9), Browning AN/M3 heavy machine gun (HAS.3 and HMA.8)

[edit] See also

Related development

• AgustaWestland AW159
• Westland 30
  

Comparable aircraft

• SH-2 Seasprite
• SH-60 Seahawk
  

Related lists

• List of active United Kingdom military aircraft
• List of aircraft of the Army Air Corps
  

[edit] References

• "T800-engined Lynx set for Paris debut". Flight International, 30 January - 5 February 1991. p.16.
• "T800 LYNX PROGRAMME STALLS". Flight International, 11-17 March 1992, p.18.
• Eden, Paul, ed. "Westland Lynx".Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1904687849.
• Ethell, Jeffrey and Price, Alfred. Air War South Atlantic. London:Sidgwick and Jackson, 1983. ISBN 0-283-99035-X.
• James, Derek N. Westland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam, 1991, ISBN 0 85177 847 X.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Westland Lynx

• Super Lynx 300 page on AgustaWestland.com
• Air Vectors: The Westland Scout, Wasp, & Lynx
• Lynx Mk 7/ Mk 9 Multi-Role Helicopter page on Army-technology.com
• Westland Lynx section on helis.com
• Westland Lynx page on militaryfactory.com
• Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) rotorcraft world records page

[edit] Photos and videos

• Westland Lynx Helicopters group on Flickr
• Westland Lynx on myaviation.net
• Westland Lynx on airliners.net
• A video from December 1988 showing the Lynx being put through some extreme manoeuvres

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