The British Army has successfully introduced its first upgraded AgustaWestland Lynx AH9A utility helicopters into frontline use in Afghanistan.
Two of the modified aircraft were delivered to Camp Bastion aboard a Royal Air Force Boeing C-17 strategic transport from Brize Norton in the UK, and entered operational use earlier this month after several familiarisation flights, says the UK Ministry of Defence.
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Both images © Steve Lympany/Crown Copyright |
Equipped with new Honeywell/Rolls-Royce LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, the AH9As will be capable of flying year-round in Afghanistan, unlike the army’s baseline Lynx AH7/9s. The modified aircraft also have M3M 12.7mm (0.50cal) machine guns, and improved communications, surveillance and self-protection equipment.
RAF Wg Cdr ‘Spats’ Paterson, commanding officer of the UK’s Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan), welcomes the arrival of the upgraded aircraft. “They are a valuable addition to the UK helicopter force, and the modifications they carry make them an extremely effective platform,” he says.
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© Crown Copyright |
Roles to be performed with the Lynx AH9A include convoy overwatch, reconnaissance, surveillance, support helicopter escort and troop transport, the MoD says. The aircraft has a crew of three and can carry up to five passengers.
AgustaWestland is working to modify all 22 of the army’s Lynx AH9s to the enhanced standard under urgent operational requirement contracts with the MoD. Seven had been re-delivered by late March.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
