In the mid 1960s there was a British Forces requirement for a range of new helicopters, which was met by collaboration between Westlands and the French company, Aerospatiale to produce three new designs, Puma, Gazelle and Lynx. Westland were to take design leadership for the Lynx, while Aerospatiale were to be responsible for Puma and Gazelle. Both companies were to take part in the development and manufacture of all the aircraft. The Army variant of the Lynx (AH Mk1) was designed to provide a utility transport and anti-tank helicopter, entering service in December 1977. It effectively replaced the ageing Scout.
The Lynx is a light, multi role battlefield helicopter with an all weather capability. Today, the Army Helicopter (AH) is in two marks, the AH 7 and 9. These have a high commonality with the Royal Navy, which has the Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HAS) Mk3 and Mk8 variants.
The aircraft can hold two crew and up to nine passengers with full fighting order. It can be equipped with a pintle mounted, gunner operated General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and several role fits.
The roles for the Lynx are:
- Troop Carrying
- Logistic Support
- Casualty Evacuation
- Reconnaissance
- Flying Training
- Liaison
Technical Information
The airframe structure utilizes a conventional light alloy, semi-monocoque fabrication with aluminium alloy honeycomb sandwich, nomex-GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), carbon fibre and titanium. The Mk 7 has a skid type undercarriage which can be fitted with snow skis for Arctic operations. The Mk 9 has a wheeled undercarriage.
All variants are powered by two Rolls Royce Gem Free Power Turbine engines. The Main Rotor Gearbox transmits power to a 4 blade semi-rigid main rotor and also a four bladed flapping tail rotor.
Due to the inherent instability of the aircraft (low stability = high manoeuvrability), there is an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) fitted. This reduces the pilot workload and allows for limited auto pilot function.