Leonardo delivers first upgraded Lynx Mk95A to Portugal
The Lynx is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter developed from 1968 by Westland (now Leonardo). (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo has crossed a significant benchmark in its modernisation of Portugal’s helicopter fleet with the delivery of the first upgraded Lynx Mk95A.
The modernisation programme provides new engines, a new cockpit and the Tactical Air Navigation Systems to the helicopters, enabling the Portuguese Navy to undertake missions safely and effectively.
At the heart of the programme is the new avionics core, based on the AW159, including new Integrated Display Units as well as a Tactical Processor.
The Tactical Processor integrates new and legacy mission systems to provide a greater level of service capability to its customer base.
The Portuguese Navy has been operating the Lynx for three decades and the modernisation programme will see the upgraded aircraft in service into the 2030s
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Portuguese Navy first awarded Leonardo a $75million contract to upgrade its Lynx helicopters in July 2016.
The helicopters are equipped with new LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshafts, the result of the LHTEC partnership between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Boeing beats out Lockheed to scoop NGAD $20 billion contract
Designated ‘F-47’, the sixth-generation fighter will serve as a replacement for Lockheed’s F-22 Raptor, currently in service with the USAF.
-
India unveils rebranded armed Hermes 650 UAS for tactical operations
India advances indigenous UAV integration with Akshi 7 and Drishti 10.
-
France to buy more Rafale jets and invest €1.5 billion in upgrading air base
The Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur air base will be modernised to ensure it can host nuclear weapons as France continues efforts to boost its nuclear deterrence.
-
South Korea and Singapore partner with Shield AI to develop autonomous flight technologies
Both contracts will see Shield AI work with Korea Aerospace Industries and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) on autonomous flight operations for UAVs, leveraging the company’s Hivemind technology.