Lynx

The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, originally known as the Lynx, traces its origins to the 1970s when Westland Helicopters introduced the Westland Lynx, a versatile twin‑engine rotorcraft that set several world records for speed and climb. After the merger that created AgustaWestland, the programme evolved into the modern AW159, which entered service in 2015, replacing older Lynx models in the British Army’s Royal Navy and several other armed forces. The aircraft features a four‑blade main rotor, composite airframe sections, and upgraded Rolls‑Royce AE2100 engines delivering 1,400 shaft horsepower each. Advanced avionics, including a glass cockpit, digital flight control system, and integrated self‑defence suite, give the Lynx superior situational awareness and survivability. Its compact size and high power‑to‑weight ratio enable operations from ship decks, austere forward bases, and mountainous terrain, while its payload capacity supports anti‑surface warfare, reconnaissance, and troop transport missions. The Lynx’s enduring adaptability has made it a workhorse in contemporary naval and army aviation, illustrating AgustaWestland’s commitment to merging proven legacy designs with cutting‑edge technology. The platform has been exported to nations such as Malaysia, India, and Qatar, where it supports maritime patrol and special‑operations tasks. Ongoing upgrades, including improved radar and communications, ensure the Lynx remains relevant decades.

AgustaWestland

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