LYNX
The Lynx first flew in March 1971 and was developed under an English-French helicopter agreement. There are two main versions of the Lynx: a wheeled version primarily for naval use and an army version with skids or skis. Super Lynx is the only helicopter in its weight class designed specifically for operations from small ships in all weathers and high sea states. With over 120 aircraft in service, Battlefield Lynx is the British Army's frontline transport helicopter.
The four-blade main rotor is mounted on a hump on top of the cabin, with two turboshaft engines mounted on top of the rear of the cabin. The fuselage features an oval, stepped-up and glassed-in cockpit with a box-like cargo compartment. Landing skids are used on on army versions, while naval versions have wheels. The high-mounted, tapered tail boom includes a swept-back fin which is tapered, along with a siingle flat on right side near top of tail fin and a tail rotor on left side.
In 1998, Westland launched the Super Lynx 300 program, representing a new generation of the Lynx. Malaysia placed an order for six Super Lynx in 1999 and the Royal Thai Navy confirmed its order for two Super Lynx 300 in August 2001. The Sultanate of Oman signed an agreement in January 2002 to provide the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) with sixteen Super Lynx 300 helicopters to replace RAFO’s current helicopters.
Developed from the proven Super Lynx 100, Super Lynx 300 incorporates an all new integrated “glass” cockpit with a colour liquid crystal display system provides the crew with state-of-the-art technology increasing crew and mission effectiveness. The more powerful CTS800-4N engines, jointly developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, complemented with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) delivers low maintenance, enhanced performance and excellent economy with over 30% more power.
At a signing ceremony held in Pretoria 14 August 2003, Minister Lekota, Minister of Defence signed the agreement on behalf of the Department of Defence for the supply of four Super Lynx 300 maritime helicopters together with an initial product support package. Other signatories to the agreement on behalf of the Government of South Africa were Mr Sipho Thomo, CEO of Armscor and Dr Alistair Ruiters, Director General of the DTI. Mr Richard Case, Chairman of Westland Helicopters, signed on behalf of Westland Helicopters Ltd.
This important contract represents another significant chapter in the Lynx 300 success story following previous orders from Malaysia, Oman and Thailand. Super Lynx 300 will be operated by the South African National Defence Force and will be utilised as a ship-borne helicopter operating from the new MEKO Class Corvettes. The South African Government announced in November 1998 their intention to select the Super Lynx 300 as their preferred solution following a thorough evaluation of the aircraft and its competitors. Minister Lekota commented that: " The purchase of the Super Lynx 300 maritime helicopter by South Africa will enhance the South African Defence Forces capability to operate in the demanding maritime environment off South Africa and will complement the capability of the new corvettes."
A key factor in the selection of the Super Lynx 300 are the level of benefits accruing to South African Industry through National Industrial Participation (NIP) and Defence Industrial Participation (DIP) arrangements. To this end, a number of key systems to be fitted on the aircraft will be provided by South African companies. In addition, AgustaWestland will be sourcing South African aircraft components and systems for a variety of other helicopter programs and in conjunction with its parent companies, GKN and Finmeccanica, who have already invested significantly in South Africa, will be making additional investments. Richard Case confirmed that: "This selection by South Africa brings with it, membership of an International Lynx Club that has logged extensive military flying experience of over 1.5 million hours. The Super Lynx 300 variant reflects the latest standard in the successful Lynx family and demonstrates the significant commitment and investment by AgustaWestland to maintain the lead position of Lynx in the global helicopter market."
