Westland Sea Lynx Mk.88

First flying in 1971, the Westland Lynx to this day holds the international speed record for a helicopter at 249.09mph, new designs have gone faster but are not classed as a traditional helicopter. The landing skid-equipped version of the Lynx entered service with the Army Air Corps in 1979 as the AH.1 and the navalised version equipped with undercarriage entered service with the Royal Navy as the HAS.1 in 1981. The Lynx was continually developed and marketed to new customers throughout its production life and eventually was developed into the Super Lynx series with uprated engines and avionics. The Lynx also forms the basis of the Leonardo AW159 Wildcat which has replaced the Lynx in UK service.

The German Navy has operated the Mk.88 Sea Lynx since 1981 and has since upgraded the fleet to Super Lynx standards. The type has served in the anti-submarine role aboard German Navy vessels throughout its service and has been key to Germany’s contribution to the international effort to combat piracy off Somalia since 2012. The Marineflieger is currently acquiring the NH90 NFH Sea Tiger to replace the Sea Lynx.

Appearing on static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme will be a single example of the Sea Lynx from MFG5. With their imminent retirement, this will be the last time we see one at RAF Fairford.

Photo Credit: Aviation Photocrew