Future Lynx helicopter becomes Lynx Wildcat

Citation

(2009), "Future Lynx helicopter becomes Lynx Wildcat", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781eab.025

Future Lynx helicopter becomes Lynx Wildcat

Article Type: News and views From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 5

At a recent ceremony at AgustaWestland in Yeovil, it was announced that the Future Lynx aircraft is now to be known formally as the AW159 Lynx Wildcat.

The Lynx Wildcat programme will deliver a fleet of 62 new light helicopters for the British Army and Royal Navy from 2014 and 2015, respectively.

The army variant of Lynx Wildcat will perform a range of tasks on the battlefield including reconnaissance, command and control, transportation of troops and materiel, and the provision of force protection. The Royal Navy variant will provide an agile maritime capability providing anti-surface warfare capability and force protection and will operate in support of amphibious operations. They will be an important element of ship defence against surface threats and can carry out an anti-submarine role, as well as acting as a light utility helicopter.

The aircraft will have a high degree of commonality and will be able to switch between Army and Royal Navy roles, principally through the changing of role equipment. Their capability will be a significant advance on that provided in both Iraq and Afghanistan by the current Lynx fleet.