First flight of AW Lynx Wildcat

Steyr

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/13/334800/pictures-lynx-wildcat-makes-first-flight-with-aw149-also-poised-for.html

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DATE:13/11/09
SOURCE:Flightglobal.comPICTURES: Lynx Wildcat makes first flight, with AW149 also poised for debut
By Craig Hoyle

The UK armed forces’ new Lynx Wildcat helicopter has made its first flight, with the programme milestone to boost AgustaWestland’s marketing efforts for the internationally-branded AW159 during the 15-19 November Dubai air show.

Performed at the company’s Yeovil site in the UK on 12 November, the flight debut included “a range of general handling checks”, says AgustaWestland. Flown by chief test pilot Donald Maclaine, “the aircraft performed as expected”, it adds. Carrying the military registration ZZ400, the helicopter was painted in British Army markings for its debut.

A new-generation development of the ubiquitous Lynx light transport and maritime helicopter currently flown by 14 nations, the AW159 is powered by two Honeywell/Rolls-Royce LHTEC CTS800-4N engines. These can produce a combined 2,560shp (1,910kW), and give the roughly 6t aircraft “exceptional hot and high performance”, its manufacturer says.

The UK Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the then-named Future Lynx aircraft in June 2006, with AgustaWestland to deliver 34 to the British Army and 28 to the UK Royal Navy under the deal. The company says its development programme “continues to be on time and on budget”, with a further two aircraft to enter flight test next year.

The first Lynx Wildcat will be handed over in 2011, and the type will enter full service with the army in 2014 and navy in 2015. Their two variants will be around 98% common in airframe and system design.

AgustaWestland began its international marketing efforts with the AW159 earlier this year. The type will “continue the remarkable success the Lynx has achieved in service worldwide”, it says. “The AW159 will be the most cost-effective, capable and advanced helicopter in its class,” claims AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi.


“We believe there is good potential for the aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa,” says a company source. Existing regional operators of its legacy Lynx and Super Lynx designs include Nigeria and Oman, while Algeria is awaiting delivery of its first example.

Meanwhile, AgustaWestland says its new AW149 medium twin could also make its first flight as soon as 13 November. The design (below) is on offer for Ankara’s Turkish utility helicopter programme requirement, where it faces competition from Sikorsky’s T-70 Black Hawk.

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My god that is one ugly looking Helicopter. And before im shot by certain people i just dont like the way it looks but the main thing is will it do it's job.

Dacian

The original Lynx has a grace about it. This one doesn't. Think its the too big looking rear horizontal stabiliser, the wierd upward exhaust for the engines and the Lego block-like nose.

They concept art was more Lynx-like with bits added on. This could very well be non-representative of the actual production aircraft.

Would the upward exhaust ducts be an attempt to lower its vulnerability to MANPADS?

Fishtits

Once had the privilege of a "spin" in a Lynx in the Balkans, was sharing a flat with the Pilot (arrogant cnut) at the time. Amazing piece of machinery.

Know nowt about the Lynx 2, now out of the loop. (so to speak...)

diverdriver

Another recycled Lynx for the Brits. Surely it's time to move on.

Meanwhile tucked away at the bottom of the press release is mention of the AW149, the helicopter the Irish Air Corps should have bought instead of the sporty AW139. Properly militarised. Here's the blurb:

The AW149 answers a growing demand for the next generation, affordable, multi-purpose medium class helicopter, for military and government agencies. Fully digitised and with an open systems architecture (OSA) and fully integrated mission equipment, the AW149 is designed for the modern battlefield. With a rugged construction incorporating crashworthy features, such as up to eighteen crashworthy troop seats and excellent access and egress, the AW149 maximises survivability. Twin engines ensure high performance in hot and high conditions. A 4-axis auto-pilot and advanced latest generation avionics system serves to minimise crew work load. The aircraft can also be configured to carry a variety of weapons and stores on external carriers. The AW149 is suited to battlefield support, combat SAR, reconnaissance, surveillance, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR) and command and control support roles.

That's exactly what the Air Corps wanted but no they now have to spend the next 20 flying around in a executive helicopter painted green.:mad:

Mr Benevolent

My god, that's the ugliest aircraft I've ever seen. Looks like it was dipped in glue and dropped into a parts bin.