Lynx
The Lynx Mk9A helicopter in Afghanistan.
Upgrades to Mk9A standard Lynx deliver more powerful engines, strengthened airframes, increased firepower and more advanced instruments and electronics, improving the helicopter’s performance in the extreme conditions of Afghanistan.
The Lynx Mk9A helicopter in Afghanistan.
Upgrades to Mk9A standard Lynx deliver more powerful engines, strengthened airframes, increased firepower and more advanced instruments and electronics, improving the helicopter’s performance in the extreme conditions of Afghanistan.
Lynx is the British Army’s primary battlefield utility helicopter.
Lynx has been used extensively within the Army Air Corps for a wide variety of roles and tasks throughout the world. It is predominantly a battlefield utility helicopter although it has been used for anti-tank, reconnaissance and escort operations. The addition of Aviation Crewman has allowed Lynx to operate in the very close air support role in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Versions in service with the Army Air Corps – include Mk 7 (skids) and Mk 9A (wheeled undercarriage). The Lynx still holds the helicopter world speed record, and thanks to its semi-rigid titanium rotor head it is also superbly manoeuvrable. This makes it the centrepiece of Army Aviation display flying
Upgrades to Mk9A standard Lynx deliver more powerful engines, strengthened airframes, increased firepower and more advanced instruments and electronics, improving the helicopter’s performance in the extreme conditions of Afghanistan.
It is fitted with a more advanced communication system, improved surveillance equipment and the M3M Machine Gun – a 0.50″ calibre weapon, capable of firing over 850 rounds a minute.
Lynx Mk9A is currently deployed on operations in Afghanistan.
In service date: | 1978 |
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Maximum all up mass: | 4875kg (Mk 7), 5330 kg (Mk 9A) |
Engines: | 2 x Rolls Royce GEM (Mk 7), 2 x T800 (Mk 9A) |
Crew: | 2 (3 with Crewman) + 6 troops |
Length: | 50ft 1inch |
Main rotor diameter: | 42ft |
Height: | 12ft 5inches |
Maximum speed: | 160knots |
Range: | 280NM |
Armament: | 7.62mm general purpose machine gun or M3M 12.7mm machine gun |