Norwegian Lynx reach 50,000 hours

Lynx helicopters of the Norwegian Defence Forces have reached an impressive 50,000 flying hours milestone.

The milestone was achieved on Wednesday, September 16, when two Lynx, one flying over the Norwegian national waterfall, Målselvfossen while the second helicopter operating in the polar environment of Longyearbyen.

Norwegian officials say the achievement is all the more impressive when the six helicopters were originally built to fly 7,000 hours each.

The Norwegians began looking at the Lynx in the 1970s after purchasing three large ocean-going Coast Guard vessels. It was decided that all vessels should have a helicopter on board. Eventually they chose the small, robust Lynx helicopter, which was specially designed to withstand the extreme maritime conditions in the polar regions.

After the helicopters were purchased, it was decided that an historic squadron numberplate, 337 would be restored and the unit based at Bardufoss. Maritime helicopter operations were new for both the navy and air Force, and conditions were demanding. "Barents Sea on a stormy winter night is not a place for beginners!" said one officer.

The Norwegian Armed Forces are proud of the Lynx force, the 50,000 hours have been accident free, and the type has saved tens of lives both at sea and on land.

Jørn Stangnes, CO of 337 squadron said: "Thanks to the internationally acclaimed work that the Air Force and the FLO's technical staff have done all these years, the Lynx has had its life extended from 7,000 hours to 9,000 hours for five of the six machines."

Chief of KVNORD, Steve Olsen, is in no doubt that cooperation between KVNORD and 337 Squadron over the years have been good. He said: "We have together developed ourselves to cope with a life that consists of challenging missions in one of the toughest area of operations."

Through more than 28 years of cooperation and 50,000 flight hours has been shown that helicopters have become an indispensable part of the Coast Guard.

The Lynx carry out reconnaissance over large areas, surprising vessels engaged in illegal activities, the inspectors carry to and from vessels. They make an invaluable contribution during accidents or illness.

Eventually, the Lynx will be replaced by the NH-90 will take over the tasks of the Lynx eventually, but the 50,000 flight hours, which corresponds to 2083 days in the air, does not mark the end of the type. The Lynx continues to be present in the Barents Sea and in the daily operation of training and check-out of crews at Bardufoss.

By Norwegian Armed Forces