View source for Westland Lynx

{{short description|Military helicopter family}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2012}}{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = WG.13 Lynx / Super Lynx
| image = File:British Lynx landing on Kearsarge.jpg
| caption = A British Army Lynx in 2013
| type = Multi-purpose [[military helicopter]]
| national_origin = United Kingdom
| manufacturer = [[Westland Helicopters]] <br/>[[AgustaWestland]]{{cn|date=August 2024}}
| designer = 
| first_flight = 21 March 1971
| introduction = 1978
| retired = {{ubl|2011 (Royal Danish Navy)
  |2012 (Royal Netherlands Navy)
  |2014 (Royal Norwegian Air Force)
  |2017 (Royal Navy)
  |2018 (British Army)
  |2020 (French Navy)
}} {{cn|date=August 2024<!-- full list needs source(s) -->}}
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[British Army]] (historical) <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of their fleets. -->
| more_users = {{ubl
  | [[Royal Navy]] (historical)
  | [[German Navy]] 
  | See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' for others
}}
| produced = 
| number_built = 450 (as of 2009)<ref name="gib 140"/>
| unit cost = 
| variants = 
| developed_into = {{plainlist|
* [[Westland 30]]
* [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]}}
}}

The '''Westland Lynx''' is a British multi-purpose twin-engined [[military helicopter]] designed and built by [[Westland Helicopters]] at its factory in [[Yeovil]]. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants. The Lynx went into operational usage in 1977 and was later adopted by the armed forces of over a dozen nations, primarily serving in the [[Utility helicopter|battlefield utility]], [[anti-tank warfare|anti-armour]], [[search and rescue]] and [[anti-submarine warfare]] roles.

The Lynx is a fully [[aerobatics|aerobatic]] helicopter with the ability to perform loops and rolls.<ref name=RN_Lynx>{{Cite book |title=Royal Navy Lynx |last=Larry |first=Jeram-Croft |date=2017 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1473862517 |oclc=989712456}} {{page needed|date=February 2018}}</ref> In 1986, a specially modified Lynx set the current [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]]'s official airspeed record for helicopters (category excludes [[compound helicopter]]s) at {{convert|400.87|km/h|mph|abbr=on}},<ref name=FAI_Absolute/><ref name="west gaz">[http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/AgustaWestland-G-Lynx-helicopter-recognised/story-22972309-detail/story.html "AgustaWestland G-Lynx helicopter to be recognised for maintaining world speed record since 1986."] ''Western Gazette'', 24 September 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141228203337/http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/AgustaWestland-G-Lynx-helicopter-recognised/story-22972309-detail/story.html (archived version)]</ref><!-- Do not edit this by referring to the Sikorsky X2. The records are not comparable because the Lynx is a "pure" helicopter while the X2 is a compound helicopter as it has a separate thrust propeller. The X2 falls under the general rotorcraft category. --> which remains unbroken as of January 2022.<ref name=":1">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-somerset-37034595 "Event held to mark helicopter speed record being set"] . ''BBC'', 11 August 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Record 11659: John Trevor Egginton |date=10 October 2017 |publisher=Fédération Aéronautique Internationale |url=https://www.fai.org/record/11659 |access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref>

Several land and naval variants of the Lynx have been produced along with some major derivatives. The [[Westland 30]] was produced as a civil utility helicopter; it was not a commercial success and only a small number were built during the 1980s. In the 21st century, a modernised variant of the Lynx was designed as a multi-role combat helicopter, designated as the [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]; the Wildcat is intended to replace existing Lynx helicopters.

==Development==

===Origins===
The initial design, then known as the Westland WG.13, was started in the mid-1960s as a replacement for the [[Westland Scout]] and [[Westland Wasp|Wasp]], and a more advanced alternative to the [[UH-1 Iroquois]]. The design was to be powered by a pair of [[Rolls-Royce Gem|Bristol Siddeley BS.360]] [[turboshaft]] engines.<ref name="James p400-1">James 1991, pp. 400–401.</ref> As part of the Anglo-French helicopter agreement signed in February 1967, French company [[Sud Aviation]] (later [[Aérospatiale]]) had a 30 per cent share of production work, Westland performing the remainder.<ref Name="James p401"/><ref name=Donald/> It was intended that France would procure the Lynx for its Navy and a heavily modified armed reconnaissance variant for the French Army,<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%201578.html "A Gyration of WG.13s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109154351/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%201578.html |date=9 November 2014}} ''Flight International'', 15 August 1968. pp. 262-263.</ref> with the United Kingdom in return buying [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]] and [[Aérospatiale Puma|Puma]] for its armed forces. In October 1969, the French Army cancelled its requirement for the Lynx,<ref Name="James p401">James 1991, p. 401.</ref> so development of the armed variant was terminated at an early stage.<ref name="gib 140">Gibbings 2009, p. 140.</ref>

[[File:Xx153 lynx.jpg|thumb|right|Lynx ''XX153'', which broke the helicopter speed record in 1972, preserved on public display at the [[Museum of Army Flying]]]]
The first Lynx prototype took its maiden flight on 21 March 1971.<ref name=Donald/><ref name="James p402">James 1991, p. 402.</ref> In 1972, a Lynx broke the world speed record over 15 and 25&nbsp;km by flying at {{convert|321.74|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} and set a new 100&nbsp;km closed circuit record shortly afterwards, flying at {{convert|318.504|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=4}};<ref name="fai 2">[http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=491 Rotorcraft World Records, List of records established by the 'Lynx A.H. Mk.1'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020727235927/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=491 |date=27 July 2002}}. ''Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)''. Retrieved 15 February 2009.</ref> both of these records were set by L. Roy Moxam OBE, Westland's Deputy Chief Test Pilot (later Chief Test Pilot). In 1986, the former company demonstrator Lynx, registered ''G-LYNX'', was specially modified with Gem 60 engines and [[BERP rotor|British Experimental Rotor Programme (BERP) rotor]] blades.<ref name="sbac-record">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbac.co.uk/community/cms/content/preview/news_item_view.asp?i=12405&t=0 |title=Lynx – The World's Fastest Helicopter 20 Years On |publisher=[[Society of British Aerospace Companies|SBAC]] |date=2006-08-11 |access-date=2009-04-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819024635/http://www.sbac.co.uk/community/cms/content/preview/news_item_view.asp?i=12405&t=0 |archive-date=19 August 2010}}</ref> On 11 August 1986 the helicopter was piloted by Trevor Egginton when it set an absolute speed record for helicopters over a 15 and 25&nbsp;km course by reaching {{convert|400.87|kph|kn mph}};<ref name=FAI_Absolute>"[http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=11659 Rotorcraft Absolute: Speed over a straight 15/25 km course] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033038/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=11659 |date=3 December 2013}}". [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] (FAI). Note search under E-1 Helicopters and "Speed over a straight 15/25 km course". Accessed: 26 April 2014.</ref><ref name="gib 141">Gibbings 2009, p. 141.</ref> an official record with the FAI it [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale#Some of the records|still holds]].<ref name=FAI_Absolute/><ref name="hmfriends">{{cite web |url=http://www.hmfriends.org.uk/glynxbig.htm |title=Westland Lynx AH.Mk1, G-LYNX/ZB500 |publisher=Friends of The Helicopter Museum |access-date=2009-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107051051/http://www.hmfriends.org.uk/glynxbig.htm |archive-date=7 January 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> At this speed, its [[lift-to-drag ratio]] was 2,<ref>Harris, Franklin D. ''[http://rotorcraft.arc.nasa.gov/Publications/files/NASA%20CR%202008-215370%20Harris.pdf Rotor Performance at High Advance Ratio: Theory versus Test] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218223606/http://rotorcraft.arc.nasa.gov/publications/files/NASA%20CR%202008-215370%20Harris.pdf |date=18 February 2013}}'' page 20. [[NASA]]/CR—2008–215370, October 2008. Accessed: 26 April 2014.</ref> and its BERP blade tips reached a speed of [[Mach number|Mach]] 0.97.<ref>Hopkins, Harry. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%203544.html Fastest blades in the world] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429045740/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%203544.html |date=29 April 2014}}" ''[[Flight International]]'', 27 December 1986. Accessed: 28 April 2014.</ref>

The [[British Army]] ordered over 100 Lynx helicopters under the [[British military aircraft designation systems|designation]] of ''Lynx AH.1'' (''A''rmy ''H''elicopter Mark 1) to perform several roles, such as transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (with eight [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW missiles]]), reconnaissance and evacuation missions.<ref name=Apostolo/> Deliveries of production helicopters began in 1977.<ref name=Donald>Donald, David, ed. "Westland Lynx". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.</ref> An improved Lynx AH.1 with Gem 41-1 or Gem 42 engines and an uprated transmission was referred to as the ''Lynx AH.5''; only five were built for evaluation. The AH.5 led to the ''Lynx AH.7'', which added a new tail rotor derived from the [[Westland 30]], a reinforced airframe, improved avionics and defensive aids.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

The initial [[navalised aircraft|naval variant]] of the Lynx, known as the ''Lynx HAS.2'' in British service, or ''Lynx Mk.2(FN)'' in French service,{{citation needed|reason=that looks more like a manufacturers designation than one the Marine might use|date=February 2011}} differed from the Lynx AH.1 in being equipped with a tricycle undercarriage and a deck restraint system, folding main rotor blades, an emergency flotation system and a nose-mounted radar. An improved Lynx for the [[Royal Navy]], the ''Lynx HAS.3'', had Gem 42-1 Mark 204 engines, an uprated transmission, a new flotation system and an [[List of Rainbow Codes|Orange Crop]] [[electronic support measures|ESM]] system. The Lynx HAS.3 also received various other updates in service. A similar upgrade to the French Lynx was known as the ''Lynx Mk.4(FN)''.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

===Licensed manufacturing, Super Lynx, and Battlefield Lynx===
[[File:Royal Navy Lynx 318.jpg|thumb|left|A Royal Navy Lynx HMA.8 of the Lynx Operational Evaluation Unit]]

In September 1974, the British and Egyptian governments initiated talks to establish a new Egyptian helicopter manufacturer.<ref name="1978 kemp 164">Ra'anan, Pfaltzgraff and Kemp 1978, p. 164.</ref> Out of these talks, the [[Arab British Helicopter Company]] (ABHCO) was established during the 1970s; this new organisation was accompanied by an initial arrangement to [[Licensed production|manufacture under licence]] the Lynx AH.1 in [[Helwan]], [[Egypt]]. A separate agreement was formalised with [[Rolls-Royce Holdings|Rolls-Royce]] to license manufacture the Lynx's Gem engines at the Helwan facility.<ref name="1978 kemp 164"/> However, this plan was ultimately aborted due to a lack of funds that resulted from the collapse of the [[Arab Organization for Industrialization]] (AOI).<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202198.html "Egypt rolls out Gazelle and receives Alpha Jets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803121726/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202198.html |date=3 August 2016}} ''Flight International'', 10 December 1983. p. 1518.</ref><ref>Ṣāyigh 1992, p. 64.</ref>
[[File:U.S. Sailors refuel a South Korean navy Mk99A Super Lynx helicopter on the flight deck of the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) March 18, 2013, in the Sea of Japan during exercise Foal Eagle 2013 130318-N-BX824-400.jpg|thumb|South Korean Navy Mk.99A Super Lynx helicopter on the flight deck of [[USS Lassen (DDG 82)]]]]
Announced in 1984, the ''Lynx-3'' was an enhanced development, featuring a stretched fuselage, a redesigned tail boom, Gem 60-3/1 engines, a wheeled tricycle undercarriage, BERP rotor blades, and increased fuel capacity.<ref name=Eden_pp497>Eden 2004, pp. 495, 497.</ref> Both Army and Naval variants were proposed;<ref name=Apostolo/> however, the project was ended in 1987 due to insufficient orders being placed.<ref name=Eden_pp497/> Only one Army Lynx-3 prototype was built.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} A development of the Lynx AH.7 with the wheeled undercarriage of the Lynx-3 was marketed by Westland as the ''Battlefield Lynx'' in the late 1980s. The prototype first flew in November 1989, and deliveries began in 1991. In British Army service this variant is designated as the ''Lynx AH.9''.<ref>"AgustaWestland Lynx, Super Lynx and Future Lynx". ''Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems''. Jane's Information group, 2009. [http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/jhms/jhms4025.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Lynx%20Westland "Subscription Article".]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} ''Jane's'', 8 July 2009.</ref>

In the early 1990s, Westland incorporated some of the technology from the Naval Lynx-3 design into a less-radical ''Super Lynx''. This featured BERP rotor blades, the Westland 30-derived tail rotor, Gem 42 engines, a new under-nose 360-degree radar installation and an optional nose-mounted [[electro-optical sensor]] turret. Royal Navy Lynx HAS.3s upgraded to Super Lynx standard were known in service as the ''Lynx HMA.8'', and several export customers ordered new-build or upgraded Super Lynxes. From the 1990s onwards, Westland began offering the ''Super Lynx 200'', which was equipped with [[LHTEC CTS800]] engines, and the ''Super Lynx 300'', which also had a new cockpit and avionics derived from the [[AgustaWestland EH101]]. Both of these models have achieved several export sales.<ref>Barry, Douglas. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%202345.html "Westland develops digital Super Lynx."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018193651/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%202345.html |date=18 October 2014}} ''Flight International'', 10 September 1996. p. 26.</ref> In 2002, ''[[Flight International]]'' reported that more than 40 variants of the Lynx were in service with different users, almost 400 aircraft having been built for various customers.<ref name="grey 85">Grey 2002, p. 85.</ref>

===Future Lynx/Lynx Wildcat===
{{Main|AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat}}

The British Army and Royal Navy Lynx fleets were to be replaced to a new common advanced Lynx variant based on the Super Lynx 300, with a new tail boom, undercarriage, cockpit, avionics and sensors. Initially referred to as the Future Lynx, and later as the Lynx Wildcat, this type has since been re-designated as the AW159 Wildcat.

While having the Lynx as the origins and basis of its design, the Wildcat differs substantially.  Only 5% of its components, including some main rotor gearbox parts and fuel system, remain interchangeable with previous Lynx variants.<ref name="flight-2007-10-09">{{cite journal |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |title= PICTURES: UK's Future Lynx programme moves into manufacturing phase |journal= [[Flight International]] |date= 9 October 2007 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-uks-future-lynx-programme-moves-into-manu-218000/ |access-date= 12 July 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160701202612/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-uks-future-lynx-programme-moves-into-manu-218000/ |archive-date= 1 July 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Westland Lynx Bundesmarine 2005 Cockpit.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a [[German Navy]] Lynx]]

The Lynx is a multi-purpose twin-engine battlefield helicopter, of which specialised versions have been developed for both sea and land-based warfare. A distinguishing feature between early and later aircraft is the undercarriage: early Army versions of the Lynx were equipped with skids, while the Naval and later models have been outfitted with wheels, a requirement for easy ground handling on the deck of a warship.<ref name="BBC profile"/><ref name="flight-lynx3"/> Early versions of the Lynx were powered by a pair of [[Rolls-Royce Gem]] [[turboshaft]] engines and had a four-blade rotor, mounted on a rigid titanium monobloc rotor head<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Royal Navy Lynx|first=Larry|last=Jeram-Croft|date=2017|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1473862517|oclc=989712456}}</ref> of the kind pioneered by the [[MBB Bo 105|MBB BO105]] a few years earlier. The innovative blade design comprised a [[Honeycomb structures|honeycomb sandwich structure]] made out of [[composite material]].<ref name=Apostolo>Apostolo, Giorgio. "Westland Lynx". "Westland Lynx 3". ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters''. New York: Bonanza Books. 1984. {{ISBN|978-0-517-43935-7}}.</ref><ref>"AgustaWestland Lynx, Super Lynx and Future Lynx" ''Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems''. Jane's Information Group, 2010. ([http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/jhms/jhms4025.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Lynx%20Westland subscription article, dated 13 April 2010]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}).</ref> For shipboard stowage, both the rotor blades and tail can be folded. Lag dampers were incorporated but these are not required in flight (owing to the rigidity of the monobloc rotor head).<ref name=":0" /> The main rotor features a vibration absorption system.<ref name="grey 86"/>

[[File:Lynx XZ661 Red Bull Air Race London 2008 (1).jpg|thumb|left|Lynx near the top of a loop]]
The Lynx is an agile helicopter, capable of performing loops and rolls, and of attaining high speeds. The agility of the type led to its use as an aerial display aircraft, having been operated by the [[Blue Eagles]] and [[Black Cats (Royal Navy)|Black Cats]] helicopter display teams.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/41493/british-army-air-corps-lynx-display-team-2014-lynx-ah-7-final-display-season "British Army Air Corps Lynx Display Team 2014 Lynx AH.7 final display season."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019102101/http://www.janes.com/article/41493/british-army-air-corps-lynx-display-team-2014-lynx-ah-7-final-display-season |date=19 October 2014}} ''Jane's 360'', 3 August 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/public-relations/display-teams/black-cats "Black Cats Helicopter Display Team."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828125640/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/public-relations/display-teams/black-cats |date=28 August 2014}} ''Royal Navy'', Retrieved: 19 October 2014.</ref> The efficiency of the main rotor, as well as the overall top speed of the Lynx, was substantially improved with the adoption of [[BERP rotor]] blade technology.<ref name="grey 85"/><ref name="berp">J. Gordon Leishman "[http://www.glue.umd.edu/~leishman/Aero/berp.html ENAE 632 – The British Experimental Rotor Program (BERP) Blade ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821073505/http://www.glue.umd.edu/~leishman/Aero/berp.html |date=21 August 2007}}", ''[[University of Maryland, College Park]]'', Retrieved 11 April 2010</ref>{{refn|Aerodynamicists at Westland calculated that a Lynx equipped with BERP rotor blades generate approximately 35% more thrust before encountering blade [[Stall (fluid mechanics)|stall]] than conventional counterparts; the validity of this finding has been called into question however.<ref>Prouty 2009, p. 65.</ref>|group=N}} During the 1990s, the hot-and-high performance of the type was considerably boosted in the later Super Lynx 200 series, at which point the type's Gem engines were replaced with the newer [[LHTEC T800]] turboshaft engine with associated [[FADEC]] system;<ref name="pen 93"/> the Lynx can also maintain a good level of performance under moderate [[icing conditions]].<ref name="grey 86">Grey 2002, p. 86.</ref> The FADEC controls eliminated the requirement for a [[throttle]] or manual speed selection switches, further simplifying flight control. Later aircraft feature automatic stabilisation equipment; functions such as [[Hover (helicopter)|auto-hover]] are installed on some Lynx.<ref name="grey 89-90">Grey 2002, pp. 89–90.</ref>

Various avionics and on-board systems are integrated on the Lynx in order to perform differing mission profiles. Several operators have equipped their Lynx with [[BAE Systems]]' [[Seaspray (radar)|Seaspray]] surveillance [[radar]] to provide for a surface search capability, which is used in maritime patrol, search and rescue, and other mission profiles.<ref name="agusta thai 2005">[http://www.agustawestland.com/node/3262 "Royal Thai Navy Super Lynx 300 Enters Service."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022151332/http://www.agustawestland.com/node/3262 |date=22 October 2014}} ''AgustaWestland'', 8 February 2005.</ref> British Army models are equipped with a [[Marconi Electronic Systems|Marconi]] [[Elliott Brothers (computer company)|Elliot]] automatic flight control system capable of performing automatic three axes stabilisation.<ref name=Apostolo/> The integration of both avionics and weapons systems is customised for each Lynx batch to customer specifications and requirements.<ref name="pen 94">Penny 2004, p. 94.</ref> Most of the installed sensors and avionics are typically integrated with the aircraft's avionics management system (AMS), from where they can be managed by either pilot;<ref name="pen 93"/> sensors such the optional nose-mounted [[FLIR]] can be set up to directly cue the weapon systems. Functions such as navigation and communications are also tied into the AMS, with information from these systems displayed to the pilots on interchangeable integrated display units in the cockpit.<ref name="grey 85"/><ref name="pen 94-95">Penny 2004, p. 94-95.</ref> The Lynx is considerably easier to service and maintain than the [[AgustaWestland Apache]].<ref name="rip 28">Ripley 2001, p. 28.</ref>{{refn|According to Flight International, the anti-tank capabilities of the Lynx compare favorably to the Apache [[attack helicopter]].<ref name="flight-lynx3"/>|group=N}}

[[File:WG-13 Lynx decking on Latouche-Tréville.jpg|thumb|[[Aéronavale]] Lynx hovering above the deck of {{ship|French frigate|Latouche-Tréville|D646|2}}]]
The Lynx features a two-man cockpit for a pilot and [[Air observer|observer]] sitting side by side; the British Army typically operates their fleet with a three-man crew, a door [[Air gunner|gunner]] being the third member. The cabin, located behind the cockpit, is accessed through a pair of large sliding doors on each side of the fuselage; it can accommodate up to ten equipped troops, depending upon seating configuration.<ref name="BBC profile">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3642068.stm "Profile of a UK forces' mainstay."]  ''BBC News'', 9 September 2004.</ref> An alternative configuration houses radio equipment in the cabin area when the aircraft is being used in the airborne command post role; the cabin can also be used to house additional fuel tanks for conducting long distance missions and ferry trips.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} The Lynx can perform a wide variety of mission types, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, vessel replenishment, search and rescue, airborne reconnaissance, armed attack, casualty evacuation and troop transport; according to AgustaWestland, a Lynx can be converted from one mission-type to another within the space of 40 minutes.<ref name="grey 85"/><ref name="rip 25">Ripley 2001, p. 25.</ref>

Typical combat equipment includes stabilised roof-mounted sensors, onboard [[countermeasures]] and door guns; when being used in the [[anti-tank warfare|anti-tank]] role, the Lynx is typically armed with [[BGM-71 TOW]] missiles; missiles such as the [[Sea Skua]] have been used in the maritime [[anti-surface warfare|anti-surface]] role.<ref name="BBC profile"/> Additional armaments that have been interchangeably used include rockets, 20&nbsp;mm cannons, torpedoes, and [[depth charge]]s.<ref name="Brit Army"/> Those Lynx built for export have been typically outfitted with armaments and equipment customised for the end-user, such as the [[Mokopa]] air-to-surface missile used on Algeria's Lynx fleet, eight of which can be carried;<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-algerian-super-lynx-nears-delivery-404740/ "New Algerian Super Lynx nears delivery."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016191719/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-algerian-super-lynx-nears-delivery-404740/ |date=16 October 2014}} ''Flight International'', 14 October 2014.</ref> studies into equipping the [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] have been performed, and air-to-air missiles could also reportedly be adopted if the capability is sought by operators.<ref name="pen 95">Penny 2004, p. 95.</ref> Equipped armaments can be managed and controlled inflight through the onboard stores management system.<ref name="pen 94-95"/> In order to counteract battlefield threats such as infrared-guided missiles, various defensive aid subsystems can be optionally installed, including warning receivers and [[countermeasures]].<ref name="pen 95"/>

Many of the Lynx's components had been derived from earlier Westland helicopters such as the [[Westland Scout|Scout]] and [[Westland Wasp|Wasp]].<ref name=Apostolo/> The Lynx has been substantially upgraded since entering service in the 1970s; improvements made to in-service aircraft have typically included strengthened airframes, new avionics and engines, improved rotor blades, and additional surveillance and communications systems.<ref name="grey 85"/><ref name="Brit Army"/> Various subsystems from overseas suppliers have been incorporated into some Lynx variants; during a [[South Korea]]n procurement, hulls produced in the United Kingdom were equipped with Korean-built systems, such as [[ISTAR]], [[electro-optical]], [[electronic warfare]], [[fire-control]] systems,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://panzercho.egloos.com/10212592 |title=LIG Nex1 Super Lynx ISR/EW |access-date=25 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710172909/http://panzercho.egloos.com/10212592 |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pds20.egloos.com/pds/201007/24/07/a0105007_4c49b806c72b4.jpg |title=Samsung Thales Super Lynx dipping sonar |access-date=25 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326160622/http://pds20.egloos.com/pds/201007/24/07/a0105007_4c49b806c72b4.jpg |archive-date=26 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> flight control actuators,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.hanwhacorp.co.kr/BusinessArea/Explosives/MachineryAerospace/Aerospace/Aerospace.jsp?menucode=5 |title=Hanwha Super Lynx flight control actuator |access-date=25 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929002820/http://english.hanwhacorp.co.kr/BusinessArea/Explosives/MachineryAerospace/Aerospace/Aerospace.jsp?menucode=5 |archive-date=29 September 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and undercarriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.wia.co.kr/product/special_aviation.asp |title=WIA Super Lynx undercarriage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722135836/http://en.wia.co.kr/product/special_aviation.asp |archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> A [[glass cockpit]] was adopted on the Super Lynx 300, featuring fully integrated flight and mission display systems, a variety of integrated display units including [[head-up display]]s, and dual controls; AgustaWestland has commented that the new cockpit reduces aircrew workload and increases aircraft effectiveness.<ref name="pen 93">Penny 2004, p. 93.</ref><ref name="agusta thai 2005"/> The head-up display installed could be replaced by a [[helmet-mounted sight]] system on customer demand.<ref name="pen 95"/>

==Operational history==

===United Kingdom===
The Lynx AH.1 entered service with the [[British Army]]'s [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] (AAC) in 1979, followed by the Lynx HAS.2 with the [[Fleet Air Arm]] (FAA) in 1981. The FAA fleet was upgraded to Lynx HAS.3 standard during the 1980s, and again to HMA.8 standard in the 1990s. Most Army aircraft were upgraded to Lynx AH.7 and the later AH.9/AH.9A standards as utility helicopters; they have also served with [[3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron]] (3 CBAS) of the [[Royal Marines]] and later, the [[Commando Helicopter Force]] (CHF) of the FAA, operating as reconnaissance and attack/utility helicopters to support the Royal Marines. During the [[Cold War]], it was envisioned that Army Lynxes would be paired with [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|Westland Gazelle]] helicopters to counter Soviet [[armoured warfare|armoured vehicles]].<ref>Ripley 2012, pp. 42–46.</ref> Lynx HAS.3 and HMA.8 variants operate as [[anti-submarine warfare]] and maritime attack helicopters armed with [[Sting Ray torpedo]]es, [[Sea Skua]] [[anti-ship missile]]s and [[depth charge]]s, from Royal Navy warships. Navy Lynx have been critical to [[maritime patrol]] operations, including non-military operations such as [[counter-narcotics]] missions.<ref name=drw>Drwiega, Andrew. "[http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/USCG-Employs-Lynx-Helicopter-to-Catch-Cocaine-Carriers_83373.html USCG Employs Lynx Helicopter to Catch Cocaine Carriers] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029211612/http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/USCG-Employs-Lynx-Helicopter-to-Catch-Cocaine-Carriers_83373.html |date=29 October 2014}}" ''Aviation Today'', 29 October 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/august/27/130827-rn-counter-drugs "Royal Navy takes part in counter-drugs operations."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109011039/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/august/27/130827-rn-counter-drugs |date=9 November 2014}} ''Royal Navy'', 27 August 2013.</ref>

[[File:Lynx 335 HMS Cardiff March 1982.jpg|thumb|left|A Lynx HAS.3 of {{HMS|Cardiff|D108|6}} in March 1982 prior to the [[Falklands War]] practising [[search and rescue]]]]
The Lynx HAS.2 ASW variant participated in combat operations during the [[Falklands War]] in 1982. A combination of Lynx and [[Westland Sea King]] helicopters were used to maintain continuous anti-submarine patrols in order to protect the British task force offshore from the [[Falkland Islands]]. On 3 May, a Lynx conducted the first combat-firing of a [[Sea Skua]] missile, firing on the Argentinian patrol boat [[ARA Alferez Sobral (A-9)|ARA ''Alférez Sobral'']], inflicting considerable damage to the vessel. This was the first use of sea-skimming missiles in the conflict.<ref>[https://www.hmfriends.org.uk/falklands25th.htm "32nd Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict – The Helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605095310/http://hmfriends.org.uk/falklands25th.htm |date=5 June 2014}} ''hmfriends.org'', Retrieved: 5 May 2014.</ref> Although none were shot down in combat, a total of three were lost aboard vessels that were struck by attacks from Argentine aircraft, these vessels being {{HMS|Coventry|D118|6}}, {{HMS|Ardent|F184|6}} and [[SS Atlantic Conveyor|SS ''Atlantic Conveyor'']].<ref name="South Atlanticp248-9">Ethell and Price 1983, pp. 248–249.</ref>

On 14 May 1989, in the type's second fatal accident, Lynx HAS3GM ''XZ244'', attached to {{HMS|Brilliant|F90|6}}, crashed near Mombasa, Kenya, while en route to the city's airport for a period of shore leave. A door had detached when opened inflight and collided with the tail rotor, resulting in the aircraft splitting in half and the death of all nine personnel on board. As a result, door modifications and inflight opening restrictions were introduced. As of 2004, it remained the deadliest Lynx crash.<ref name="BBC profile"/><ref>[http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/duke-s-friend-one-of-nine-kenyan-crash-victims-1.628242 "Duke's friend one of nine Kenyan crash victims."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012065706/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/duke-s-friend-one-of-nine-kenyan-crash-victims-1.628242 |date=12 October 2014}} ''Herald Scotland'', 16 May 1989.</ref>

The Navy's Lynx helicopters were among Britain's contribution to the coalition against [[Saddam Hussein]]'s [[Iraq]] during the 1991 [[Gulf War]]. During the [[Battle of Bubiyan]], the biggest naval engagement of the conflict, the Lynx and its Sea Skua missiles proved to be decisive, being responsible for the majority of individual engagements with various [[Iraqi Navy]] vessels.<ref>Donald and Chant 2001, p. 74.</ref> By 2 February 1991, 25 Sea Skuas had been launched, out of these, 18 were confirmed as having hit their targets, and had succeeding in heavily damaging a significant portion of Iraq's navy.<ref name=site>[http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/dstorm/sword-shield.htm "The Navy in the Gulf War."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101230128/http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/dstorm/sword-shield.htm |date=1 January 2015}} ''history.navy.com''. Retrieved: 9 September 2010.</ref><ref>Finlan 2003, p. 46.</ref> Navy Lynxes were routinely used to deploy troops to [[oil platform]]s and into occupied [[Kuwait]], as well as to perform aerial reconnaissance across the Gulf.<ref>Donald, Christopher Chant 2001, pp. 71–72.</ref>

[[File:Lynx Hubschrauber IFOR.jpg|thumb|A British Army Lynx AH.7 in Bosnia during [[Operation Resolute (Balkans)|Operation Resolute]], in 1996]]
The British Army also deployed 24 [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]]-armed Lynxes alongside an equal number of [[Westland Gazelle]] helicopters during the Gulf War. They were assigned the mission of locating and attacking Iraqi tank concentrations, and to support the advance of coalition ground forces into Kuwait and Southern Iraq during the ''100 hours war'' phase of the conflict. On 26 February 1991, a Lynx of [[No. 654 Squadron AAC|654 Squadron AAC]] destroyed two MTLB [[armoured personnel carriers]] (APCs) and four [[T-54/55|T-55]] tanks using TOW missiles: the engagement was the first recorded combat use of TOW from a British helicopter.<ref>Ripley 2001, pp. 48–49.</ref>

On 19 March 1994, during [[The Troubles]] in Northern Ireland, the [[Irish Republican Army]] (IRA) brought down Lynx [[1994 British Army Lynx shootdown|AH.7 ''ZD275'' of the AAC with an improvised mortar]], striking it while attempting to land at [[Crossmaglen]] Army base. The pilot managed to crash land and the aircraft was destroyed, but all crew on board survived. Author [[Toby Harnden]] described the incident as the IRA's most successful operation against a helicopter.<ref name=SA>Harnden 2000, p. 398.</ref><ref>English and Oppenheimer 2009, p. 233.</ref>

British army helicopter crashed near [[Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje|Gornji Vakuf]], Bosnia on 22 December 1998. Two servicemen were killed and a third crew member was critically wounded.<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/12/23/UPI-Focus-Bosnia-air-crash-kills-2-Britons/7765914389200/ UPI Focus: Bosnia air crash kills 2 Britons]. upi.com 	Dec. 23, 1998</ref>

Various British Lynxes were used during the NATO intervention in the conflict between [[Serbia]] and [[Kosovo]], later known as the [[Kosovo War]]. They were frequently employed to supply NATO forces inside the theatre, including those engaged in humanitarian operations.<ref>[http://www.nato.int/kosovo/history.htm "NATO's role in relation to the conflict in Kosovo."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123182646/http://www.nato.int/kosovo/history.htm |date=23 January 2012}} ''NATO'', Retrieved: 18 October 2014.</ref> In June 1999, the type was employed to escort British ground forces being air-deployed into Kosovo via [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinooks]], during NATO's first phase of deployment.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/367078.stm |title=UK leads Nato into Kosovo |work=BBC News |date=12 June 1999 |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812022956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/367078.stm |archive-date=12 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> For a number of years, British Army Lynx and Gazelle helicopters were deployed within Kosovo, performing reconnaissance and transport duties in support of NATO peacekeeping forces.<ref>Ripley 2012, pp. 80–81.</ref>

In September 2000, Army Lynxes were used in [[Sierra Leone]] to rescue several British soldiers during [[Operation Barras]]. In 2002, a Lynx attached to {{HMS|Richmond|F239|6}} [[HMS Richmond helicopter crash|crashed 200 miles off the coast of Virginia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2046318.stm|title=Navy investigators head for crash scene|date=15 June 2002|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601042650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2046318.stm|archive-date=1 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Army Air Corps Lynx Linking up with RAF Regiment Vehicle patrol, patrolling an area south of Basra Airport. MOD 45142952.jpg|thumb|left|A Westland Lynx of the [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] landing on a desert road south of [[Basra Airport]], 2003]]
In March 2003, the Lynx formed the bulk of the deployed British rotary aviation battle group in the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|invasion of Iraq]]. Participating aircraft were quickly outfitted with engine sand filters, armour, heat dissipaters, modern secure radios and radar warning receivers.<ref>Ripley 2012, pp. 84–85, 116.</ref> In the subsequent [[Multi-National Force – Iraq|multi-national occupation force]], a flight of either AAC or CHF Lynx AH.7s were based at [[Basra International Airport]] under command of the [[Joint Helicopter Command|Joint Helicopter Force (Iraq)]] on a rotational basis.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stroicar.com/eng/news_detail.php?id=210 |title=Lynx Helicopter Base Details |publisher=Stroicar.com |access-date=2013-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716154850/http://stroicar.com/eng/news_detail.php?id=210 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Ripley 2001, pp. 115–117.</ref> In theatre, they would escort infantry patrols, perform aerial reconnaissance, provide fire support and act as airborne communications hubs. Problems in operating in the high temperature environment were encountered, with the helicopters often operating with no power reserve and thus without the ability to overshoot during landings; these problems were belatedly overcome by the introduction of the Lynx AH.9A.<ref name="rip 119">Ripley 2001, p. 119.</ref>

On 6 May 2006, Lynx AH.7 ''XZ6140'' of the CHF, was shot down by a [[Man-portable air-defense system|man-portable surface-to-air missile]] over [[Basra]], southern Iraq; the first British helicopter and only the second British aircraft downed (the first was an [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Hercules]]) by enemy fire in the war. Among the five killed were [[847 Naval Air Squadron]]'s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman; Wing Commander Coxen, who had been due to take command of the region's British helicopter forces, and Flight Lieutenant [[Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill]]; Coxen was the most senior British officer to die in the conflict and Mulvihill was the first British servicewoman to die in action in 22 years.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6601017.stm "British helicopter was shot down."]  ''BBC News'', 27 April 2007.</ref><ref>Vasagar, Jeevan and Richard Norton-Taylor. [https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/may/09/military.iraq "Helicopter attack claims life of first UK woman to die in action for 22 years."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510163339/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/may/09/military.iraq |date=10 May 2017}} ''The Guardian'', 9 May 2006	.</ref> At the crash scene, British troops reportedly encountered rioting Iraqi civilians and were fired on by militia, while civilians were killed in the ensuing clashes.<ref>Wyatt, Caroline. [https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8014318.stm "Major 'staggered' at changed Basra."]  ''BBC News'', 30 April 2009.</ref> The crash led to a review of the vulnerability of helicopter transports in southern Iraq.<ref>Norton-Taylor, Richard and Muhammad Alubedy. [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/08/iraq.military "British tactics reviewed as Basra erupts."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510160835/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/08/iraq.military |date=10 May 2017}} ''The Guardian'', 8 May 2006.</ref>

In 2006, the first Lynx AH.7 was deployed to [[Helmand Province]], [[Afghanistan]]; this variant would only be subsequently used during winter months due to the performance limitations imposed during the high summer temperatures.<ref name="rip 210">Ripley 2001, p. 210.</ref> The Lynx AH.9A later deployed was praised as having been a substantial performance improvement.<ref>Ripley 2012, pp. 212–217.</ref> On 26 April 2014, Lynx AH.9A ''ZF540'' of the Army Air Corps crashed near [[Kandahar Airfield]] in Afghanistan, killing the three crew and two passengers on board. This was the first fatal accident in the conflict involving a British military helicopter and the third largest loss of life of British troops in a single incident in Afghanistan since 2001.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27183641 "Afghanistan helicopter crash personnel named by MoD."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129221858/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27183641 |date=29 November 2017}} ''BBC News'', 27 April 2014.</ref>

The Royal Navy retired its Lynx helicopters from active service on 23 March 2017 with its official decommissioning.  On 17 March, a final flypast was conducted by four Royal Navy Westland Lynx HMA8 helicopters from [[815 Naval Air Squadron]], based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] in Somerset.<ref >{{Cite magazine
  |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/royal-navy-lynx-hma8-fleet-bows-out-of-service-435293/ 
  |title=Royal Navy Lynx HMA8 fleet bows out of service
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317193238/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/royal-navy-lynx-hma8-fleet-bows-out-of-service-435293/  |archive-date=2017-03-17  |url-status=dead  
  |date=17 March 2017
  |magazine=[[Flight Global]]
}}</ref><ref >{{cite news
  |newspaper=Somerset Live
  |last=Rankin  |first=Mel
  |title=Lynx helicopter departs RNAS Yeovilton for its final flight
  |date=24 June 2016
  |url=http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/lynx-helicopter-departs-rnas-yeovilton-for-the-last-time/story-29441341-detail/story.html
  |access-date=11 March 2017
  |url-status=dead  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625131346/http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/lynx-helicopter-departs-rnas-yeovilton-for-the-last-time/story-29441341-detail/story.html  |archive-date=25 June 2016
}}</ref> The Army Air Corps retired the Lynx in 2018, with the disbandment of [[No. 657 Squadron AAC|657 Squadron AAC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/73702/uk-reorganises-special-forces-aviation|title=UK reorganises special forces aviation|last=Ripley|first=Tim|date=12 September 2017|website=Jane's 360|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104205258/http://www.janes.com/article/73702/uk-reorganises-special-forces-aviation|archive-date=4 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Others===
====Germany====
[[File:Westland WG-13 Super Lynx Mk88a (code 83+25) of the German Navy at RIAT Fairford 17July2017 arp.jpg|thumb|Westland Super Lynx Mk88a of the [[German Navy]] in 2017]]

The first [[German Navy]] Lynx, a Sea Lynx Mk88 model, was manufactured in 1981. A total of 19 were built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p117"/><ref name="germ upg 2013">Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/german-navy-lynx-to-get-new-titan-sensor-fit-387608/ "German navy Lynx to get new Titan sensor fit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018141551/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/german-navy-lynx-to-get-new-titan-sensor-fit-387608/ |date=18 October 2014}} ''Flight International'', 24 June 2013.</ref> In 1996, the German Navy elected to purchase seven additional Super Lynx Mk88As; in 1998, the decision was taken to upgrade the existing Mk88 fleet, by then numbering a total of 17, to the improved Mk88A standard.<ref name="germ upg 1998">[http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/German-Navy-to-Upgrade-Sea-Lynx-Fleet_176.html "German Navy to Upgrade Sea Lynx Fleet."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018142216/http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/en/press/German-Navy-to-Upgrade-Sea-Lynx-Fleet_176.html |date=18 October 2014}} ''Eurocopter'', 25 June 1998.</ref> In the anti-surface role, Germany's Lynx fleet were supplemented by several [[Westland Sea King]]s, which were upgraded with Sea Skua missiles in the 1990s.<ref name="Variant p128">Lake 1996, p. 128.</ref> In 2009, Germany was studying a limited upgrade programme for their Super Lynx fleet which reportedly included the replacement of the current anti-ship missile.<ref>[http://aviationweek.com/awin/german-lynx-upgrade-study-targeted-2010 "German Lynx Upgrade Study Targeted for 2010."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817062259/http://aviationweek.com/awin/german-lynx-upgrade-study-targeted-2010 |date=17 August 2016}} ''Aviation Week'', 14 September 2009.</ref> In 2013, the German defence ministry signed a contract with Selex ES to integrate new electro-optical/infrared sensors onto the Super Lynx.<ref name="germ upg 2013"/>

Since 2012, German Lynx have been deployed routinely off the coast of [[Somalia]] to discourage and intervene against acts of [[piracy]] as a part of the multinational [[Operation Atalanta]].<ref>Fiorenza, Nicholas. [http://aviationweek.com/blog/germany-extends-counterpiracy-mandate "Germany Extends Counterpiracy Mandate."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023120243/http://aviationweek.com/blog/germany-extends-counterpiracy-mandate |date=23 October 2014}} ''Aviation Week'', 10 May 2012.</ref> In September 2014, 15 of the navy's 22-strong Sea Lynx Mk88A fleet were temporarily grounded following the discovery of fuselage cracks on some aircraft. The German Defense Ministry estimated that the Sea Lynx fleet would return to full strength in early 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw.de/germany-grounds-sea-lynx-helicopters-on-piracy-duty/a-17940571 |title=Germany grounds 'Sea Lynx' helicopters on piracy duty |date=22 September 2014 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |access-date=22 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924163020/http://www.dw.de/germany-grounds-sea-lynx-helicopters-on-piracy-duty/a-17940571 |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the long term, the German Navy is to retire the Super Lynx in favour of the [[NHIndustries NH90#NFH: NATO Frigate Helicopter|NH90 Sea Tiger]].<ref name="germ upg 2013"/>

====South Korea====
[[File:LYNX ROK aircraft 0133.jpg|thumb|left|upright|ROK Navy Lynx]]
The [[Republic of Korea Navy]] (ROKN) of [[South Korea]] took delivery of the first batch of 12 Mk.99 Lynx helicopters in 1990; a second batch of 13 Mk.99A Super Lynx helicopters began delivery in 1999.<ref name="korea ground">[https://archive.today/20141109173429/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100420/DEFSECT01/4200303/ "South Korean Navy Grounds Lynx Helos."] ''Defense News'', 20 April 2010.</ref> The first Lynx batch was later upgraded to the same standard as the second batch; the changes included the adoption of a new radar, FLIR, and ESM systems.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201995.html "Republic of Korea Navy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234114/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%201995.html |date=26 February 2019}} ''Flight International'', 4 December 2000. p. 87.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202164.html "Indecision hurts Korean Lynx Bid".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234137/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202164.html |date=26 February 2019}} ''Flight International'', 24 October 1987, p. 18.</ref> In 2013, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced its selection of the AW159 Wildcat; deliveries of eight aircraft are planned for 2015–16; these will be used for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare and surveillance missions.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korea-picks-aw159-for-maritime-helicopter-deal-381045/ "South Korea picks AW159 for maritime helicopter deal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120111727/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korea-picks-aw159-for-maritime-helicopter-deal-381045/ |date=20 January 2013}}. ''Flight International'', 15 January 2013.</ref>

In May 2009, a ROKN Lynx successfully protected a [[North Korea]]n freighter from being pursued by [[pirate]]s off the coast of [[Somalia]].<ref>Mayer, Bill. [http://www.cleveland.com/world/index.ssf/2009/05/south_korean_warship_rescues_n.html "South Korean warship rescues Norea Korean vessel off Somalia from pirate attack."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109193416/http://www.cleveland.com/world/index.ssf/2009/05/south_korean_warship_rescues_n.html |date=9 November 2014}} ''cleveland.com'', 4 May 2009.</ref> In 2010, South Korea's Lynx fleet was temporarily grounded for emergency inspections following the crashes of two aircraft within the same week.<ref name="korea ground"/> Shortly afterwards it was discovered that the ROKN's helicopters had been victim of a maintenance scam, involving falsified documentation and faked replacement of components; by 2011, 12 employees of two South Korean private companies had been jailed, two ROKN officers were indicted, and several other officers were to be remanded as a result.<ref>[http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2011/03/14/92/0301000000AEN20110314008400315F.HTML "Two Navy officers indicted for Lynx helicopter maintenance scam."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109193228/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2011/03/14/92/0301000000AEN20110314008400315F.HTML |date=9 November 2014}} ''Yonhap News Agency'', 14 March 2011.</ref>

In 2024, South Korea approved an almost 2.9 trillion [[South Korean won|won]] (₩)  program to replace the Lynx helicopters by the 2030s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giovanni |date=2024-01-03 |title=NH90, UH-60 to Compete for $2.2 Billion S. Korean Naval Helicopter Tender |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/nh90-uh-60-to-compete-for-2-2-billion-s-korean-naval-helicopter-tender/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Defense aerospace |language=en-US}}</ref>

====France====
[[File:Lynx helo 4.jpg|thumb|French Navy Lynx approaching at a low altitude, 2000]]
In 1979, the Lynx Mk.2(FN) entered service with the [[French Naval Aviation]] of the [[French Navy]], a total of 26 aircraft would be procured,<ref name="James p418"/> followed by 14 improved Mk.4(FN)s.<ref name="ai1020911">{{cite magazine |last=Allport |first=Dave |title=French Navy retires Lynx |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=October 2020 |volume=99 |issue=4 |page=11 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> Upon entering service, the French Lynx was more capable of performing independent anti-submarine operations than its Royal Navy counterpart, a single aircraft being capable of simultaneously being equipped for detection and weapon delivery roles.<ref>Wilson, Michael. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202370.html "Lynx flight-test briefing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109161724/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202370.html |date=9 November 2014}} ''Flight International'', 13 September 1973. p. 439.</ref> In February 2011, a French Lynx landed on the flight deck of a [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]] for the first time as a part of qualifying trials.<ref>[http://navaltoday.com/2012/02/21/france-lynx-helicopter-lands-on-fremm-frigate-for-first-time/ "France: Lynx Helicopter Lands on FREMM Frigate for First Time."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109162608/http://navaltoday.com/2012/02/21/france-lynx-helicopter-lands-on-fremm-frigate-for-first-time/ |date=9 November 2014}} ''navaltoday.com'', 21 February 2012.</ref> In addition to France's own Lynx fleet, French Navy vessels have also hosted British Lynx helicopters, such as during an extended counter-piracy deployment on board the {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate|1}} {{ship|French frigate|Surcouf|F711|2}} during 2012.<ref>Montgomery, David. [http://www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com/royal-navy-lynx-in-french-frigate-first/ "Royal Navy Lynx in French frigate first."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109200644/http://www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com/royal-navy-lynx-in-french-frigate-first/ |date=9 November 2014}} ''Neptune Maritime Security'', 12 November 2012.</ref> In 2019, the French Navy announced plans to retire the Lynx by 2020, and the type carried out its final operational deployment, aboard the frigate {{ship|French frigate|Latouche-Tréville||2}}, in July 2020. It was formally retired from French service on 4 September 2020.<ref name="ai1020911"/><ref name="frret">{{Cite web|last=Grolleau |first=Henri-Pierre |title=French Navy retires Lynx from service|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/french-navy-retires-lynx-from-service |date=8 September 2020|access-date=2020-09-08|website=Janes.com|language=en}}</ref>

====The Netherlands====
The [[Royal Netherlands Navy]]'s (RNN) [[Dutch Naval Aviation Service|Naval Aviation Service]] operated fleet of 24 Lynx for a total of 36 years, entering service in 1976 and phased out in 2012 after being extensively used. These performed search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and special forces support tasks while operating from the [[flight deck]]s of most RNN vessels during this period. In 1993, the RNN fleet were upgraded to a common Lynx SH-14D standard.<ref name="dut retire">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-dutch-lynx-flies-last-operational-mission-376661/ "PICTURE: Dutch Lynx flies last operational mission."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109024217/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-dutch-lynx-flies-last-operational-mission-376661/ |date=9 November 2014}} ''Flight International'', 19 September 2012.</ref> In 1999, a design defect in the rotor-head used on some Lynx aircraft was responsible for the loss of a Dutch aircraft in 1999; this led to a number of Lynx worldwide to be temporarily grounded until retrofitted with new titanium rotor-heads.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/729554.stm "Safety scare grounds Lynx helicopters."]  ''BBC News'', 28 April 2000.</ref> On 28 February 2011, a Dutch Lynx and three navy personnel were captured by Libyan forces while performing an evacuation mission inside the country.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Nederlandse militairen gegijzeld in Libië |first=Roy |last=Klopper |journal=[[De Telegraaf]] |url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/9171070/__Nederlandse_militairen_gegijzeld_in_Libi__.html?p=1,1 |date=3 March 2011 |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304140557/http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/9171070/__Nederlandse_militairen_gegijzeld_in_Libi__.html?p=1,1 |archive-date=4 March 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 September 2012, the RNN performed its final operational Lynx flight.<ref name="dut retire"/> The Lynx was replaced by the [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Coen Heil |date=19 November 2024 |title=Mijn Materieel: NH90 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2024/09/mijn-materieel-nh90 |website=Materieelgezien |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch }}</ref>

====Portugal====
The [[Portuguese Naval Aviation]] of the [[Portuguese Navy]] exclusively operates the Super Lynx Mk.95.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p120"/> In 1990, Portugal signed a contract for a total of five Super Lynx, two of them being refurbished ex-Royal Navy aircraft.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1989/1989%20-%203019.html "Portuguese Navy opts for Lynx purchase."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109150210/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1989/1989%20-%203019.html |date=9 November 2014}} ''Flight International'', 7 October 1989. p.11.</ref> A total of two Lynx can be operated from the flight deck of a single {{sclass|Vasco da Gama|frigate|1}}; they typically accompany the vessels, including during long distance deployments for [[Piracy in Somalia|anti-piracy operations]] off the [[Horn of Africa]].<ref>[Portugal’s Largest Warships Joins EUNAVFOR "Portugal’s Largest Warships Joins EUNAVFOR."] ''World Maritime News'', 27 March 2012.</ref>

====Brazil====
[[File:Lynx01.jpg|thumb|left|Super Lynx Mk.21A of the Brazilian Navy on static display, 2005]]
In 1978, the [[Brazilian Navy]] became the first foreign operator of the Lynx helicopter, having taken delivery of its first of a batch of five that year. During the 1990s, the fleet was more than doubled by the acquisition of a further batch of nine.<ref name="brazil upgrade"/> During overseas deployments for multinational training exercises and United Nations operations, the Lynx has been described as "eyes and the ears of the fleet".<ref>Konrad, Kaiser. [http://dialogo-americas.com/en_GB/articles/rmisa/features/technology/2012/01/25/feature-ex-2830 "Super Lynx: Eyes and Ears of the Brazilian Fleet".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022205/http://dialogo-americas.com/en_GB/articles/rmisa/features/technology/2012/01/25/feature-ex-2830 |date=15 July 2014}} ''Diálogo'', 25 January 2011.</ref> In 2009, Brazil deployed several Lynx in an effort to locate the missing [[Air France Flight 447]].<ref>Sherwell, Philip. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/5463424/Air-France-plane-full-story-of-the-horror-on-board-Flight-447.html "Air France plane: full story of the horror on board Flight 447."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112215007/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/5463424/Air-France-plane-full-story-of-the-horror-on-board-Flight-447.html |date=12 November 2017}} ''The Telegraph'', 6 June 2009.</ref> In 2014, a mid-life upgrade process was agreed for Brazil's Lynx fleet, they shall receive LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, new avionics, satellite navigation systems, countermeasures, and night vision-compatible cockpit displays.<ref name="brazil upgrade">Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-engines-to-transform-brazilian-lynx-helicopters-401039/ "New engines to transform Brazilian Lynx helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715004513/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-engines-to-transform-brazilian-lynx-helicopters-401039/ |date=15 July 2014}} ''Flight International'', 3 July 2014.</ref>

====Norway====
The [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] (RNoAF) received its six Lynx Mk 86 in 1981. [[No. 337 Squadron RNoAF|337 Squadron]] was reactivated at [[Bardufoss Air Station|Bardufoss]] and declared operational with Lynx in 1983. RNoAF operates the aircraft with the [[Norwegian Coast Guard]]'s {{sclass|Nordkapp|offshore patrol vessel}}s. In 2010, one Lynx reached the end of its operational life and was withdrawn from service; a second aircraft suffered a non-fatal crash in 1988 and was totally rebuilt by Westland.<ref>Mo, Sverre/Sælensminde, Bjørn: ''Norske militærfly 1912–2013''. Bodin Forlag, 2013. {{ISBN|978-82-7128-687-3}}, p. 273</ref> The Lynx was to have been progressively replaced by the [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] from 2005 onwards; however, deliveries of the new type suffered multiple delays, leading to Norway considering life extension measures on some of their Lynx fleet.<ref>Osborne, Tony. [http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/norway-considers-lynx-life-extension-nh90-woes-con/ "Norway considers Lynx life extension as NH90 woes continue."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109133405/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/norway-considers-lynx-life-extension-nh90-woes-con/ |date=9 November 2014}} ''Shepard Media'', 11 September 2012.</ref> Lynx was decommissioned in December 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nå skal denne verdensrekordholderen pensjoneres |date=9 December 2014 |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/na-skal-denne-verdensrekordholderen-pensjoneres/225311 |publisher=Teknisk Ukeblad |access-date=15 November 2022}}</ref>

====Denmark====
The [[Royal Danish Navy]] (RDN) took delivery of eight Lynx Mk 80 between 1980 and 1981. A further two Mk 90 were delivered in 1987 and 1988 as attrition replacements. Operated by the [[Danish Naval Air Squadron]], the RDN fleet is typically stationed upon naval inspection vessels and used to patrol [[Greenland]] and [[Faroe Islands]] as well as the Danish mainland. Beginning in 2000, the whole Lynx fleet was upgraded to Mk 90B standard.<ref>Jørgensen, Jan: ''Flyvevåbnet – Scenes from Danish military aviation history''. Nordic Airpower, 2010. {{ISBN|978-87-993688-0-8}}</ref> On 7 November 2006, a Danish Lynx had the distinction of performing the first helicopter landing on board a {{sclass|Visby|corvette|1}} of the [[Swedish Navy]].<ref>[http://www.navalhistory.dk/english/photoalbums/2006_visbylynx/visbylynx.htm "Swedish VISBY Class sees first Helicopter Deck Landing."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109020920/http://www.navalhistory.dk/english/photoalbums/2006_visbylynx/visbylynx.htm |date=9 November 2014}} ''navalhistory.dk'', 15 November 2006.</ref> In January 2011, control of the Lynx fleet was transferred from the Danish Navy to the [[Royal Danish Air Force]].<ref>Osborne, Tony. [http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/danish-air-force-takes-control-of-navy-l/ "Danish Air Force takes control of navy Lynx fleet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109031822/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/danish-air-force-takes-control-of-navy-l/ |date=9 November 2014}} ''Shepard Media'', 11 January 2011.</ref>

==Variants==

===Land-based variants===
[[File:Westland WG-13 Lynx AN1979896.jpg|thumb|Prototype Lynx, which had its first flight on the 21st of March 1971 and later used as demonstrator. Shown here re-engined with a P&W PT-6B instead of the original Rolls-Royce Gem]]
;Westland WG.13
:Prototype, first flight 21 March 1971. Thirteen prototypes built.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p134-5">Lake 1999, pp. 134–135.</ref>
;Lynx AH.1
:Initial production version for the British [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]], powered by 671&nbsp;kW (900&nbsp;hp) Gem 2 engines,<ref name="James p426">James 1991, p. 426.</ref> with first production example flying 11 February 1977, and deliveries continuing until February 1984, with 113 built.<ref name="James p405-6">James 1991, pp. 405–406.</ref> Used for a variety of tasks, including tactical transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (60 were equipped with eight [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW missiles]] as ''Lynx AH.1 (TOW)'' from 1981),<ref name="Lake pt 1 p136">Lake 1999, p. 136.</ref> reconnaissance and casualty evacuation.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p135-6">Lake 1999, pp. 135–136.</ref>
;Lynx AH.1GT
:Interim conversion of the AH.1 to partial AH.7 standard for the Army Air Corps with uprated engines and revised tail rotor.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p135">Lake 1999, p. 135.</ref>
;Lynx HT.1
:Planned training version for [[Royal Air Force]] to replace the [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind]], cancelled.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p135"/><ref>Henry Stanhope Defence Correspondent. "RAF may revise flying training programme." ''The Times'' [London, England] 28 August 1973: 14. via The Times Digital Archive. accessed 22 November 2014.</ref>
;Lynx AH.5
:Upgraded version for the Army Air Corps, with 835&nbsp;kW (1,120&nbsp;shp) Gem 41-1 engines and uprated gearbox.<ref name="James p411">James 1991, p. 411.</ref> Three built as ''AH.5 (Interim)'' as trials aircraft for MoD. Eight ordered as AH.5s for the Army Air Corps, of which only two were built as AH.5s, the remaining six were completed as AH.7s.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137">Lake 1999, p. 137.</ref> Four were later upgraded to AH.7 standard and one was retained for trials work as an ''AH.5X''.
;Lynx AH.6
:Proposed version for the [[Royal Marines]] with undercarriage, folding tail and [[deck lock]]<ref name="DeckLock">{{cite web |url=http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2014/09/motion-compensated-helicopter-decks/ |title=Rough Landings in High Seas |publisher=Think Defence |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=1 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720035225/https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2014/09/motion-compensated-helicopter-decks/ |archive-date=20 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> of Naval Lynx. Not built.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
[[File:AIR CORPS LYNX REGIMENT BEGINS FINAL FAREWELL IN CUMBRIA MOD 45158706.jpg|thumb|Two British Army AH.9As, 2015]]
;Lynx AH.7
:Further upgraded version for the Army Air Corps, with Gem 41-1 engines and uprated gearbox of the AH.5 and new, larger, [[composite material]] tail rotor. Later refitted with BERP type rotor blades. Twelve new builds and 107 Lynx AH.1s converted.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p138">Lake 1999, p. 138.</ref> A small number also used by the [[Fleet Air Arm]] in support of the Royal Marines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons/847/ |title=847 Naval Air Squadron |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920065213/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons/847/ |archive-date=20 September 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Lynx AH.7 can also be outfitted for the anti-armour role, with the attachment of two pylons, each carrying four TOW anti-tank guided missiles. In the light-lift role, it can carry an aircrew member armed with a cabin door mounted [[FN MAG|L7 General Purpose Machine Gun]] (GPMG), as well as troops for fast-rope or abseiling insertions, or regular landings. It can also transport cargo. Now replaced in the attack role by the [[AgustaWestland Apache]] [[attack helicopter]].
;Lynx AH.7(DAS)
:AH.7 with Defensive Aids Subsystem.
;Lynx AH.9 ("Battlefield Lynx")
:Utility version for Army Air Corps, based on AH.7, but with wheeled undercarriage and further upgraded gearbox. Sixteen new-built plus eight converted from AH.7s.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p139">Lake 1999, p. 139.</ref>
[[File:1 Yorkshire Regiment (1 York) Battlegroup conducting live firing during Exercise Prairie Lightning. MOD 45158825.jpg|thumb|Firing a .50-inch heavy machine gun from a British Army AH.9A on exercise in BATUS, Canada]]
;Lynx AH.9A
:AH.9 with more powerful LHTEC CTS800-4N 1,015 kW (1,362 shp) engines,<ref name="flight-ah9a">{{cite journal |date=30 April 2009|title=British Army's re-engined Lynx AH9A to fly in July |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |journal=[[Flight International]] |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/30/325872/british-armys-re-engined-lynx-ah9a-to-fly-in-july.html |access-date=2009-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503083838/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/30/325872/british-armys-re-engined-lynx-ah9a-to-fly-in-july.html |archive-date=3 May 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> which allowed the door-mounted GPMG of the AH.7 to be replaced with a .50-inch (12.7 mm) heavy machine gun (HMG) as well as flight in hotter conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/archives/5042-Downloadable%20Stock%20Images/Archive/Army/45158/45158825.jpg |title=BATUS-2014-067-SP3-168 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=2014 |access-date=2016-06-21 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> All 22 AH.9 were upgraded.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/UpgradedArmyLynxHelicopterFleetComplete.htm |title=Upgraded Army Lynx helicopter fleet complete |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=2011-12-16 |access-date=2013-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627083456/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/UpgradedArmyLynxHelicopterFleetComplete.htm |archive-date=27 June 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> A small number also used by the [[Fleet Air Arm]] in support of the Royal Marines.

===Naval variants===
;Lynx HAS.2 / Mk.2(FN)
:Initial production version for the Royal Navy (HAS.2) and the French Navy (Mk.2(FN)), powered by Gem 2 engines and with wheeled undercarriage, folding rotors and tail and deck lock.<ref name="DeckLock"/> HAS.2 equipped with British Sea Spray radar, with Mk.2(FN) having French radar and dipping sonar. When it used in the anti-submarine role, it can carry two torpedoes or depth charges. For anti-surface warfare, it is equipped with either four [[Sea Skua]] missiles (Royal Navy) or four [[AS.12]] missiles (French Navy).<ref name="Lake pt 2 p112-3">Lake 2000, pp. 112–113.</ref> 60 built for Royal Navy,<ref name="James p408">James 1991, p. 408.</ref> and 26 for France.<ref name="James p418">James 1991, p. 418.</ref>
;Lynx HAS.2.5
:An interim HAS 3 equipped with the improved Gem 42 series engines but the original HAS 2 gearbox. Only used by 702 NAS in 1985/86 before all were converted to full HAS 3 standard.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
[[File:LynxHAS3.jpg|thumb|right|Lynx HAS.3 of the [[Black Cats (Royal Navy)]] display team]]
;Lynx HAS.3
:Improved version of HAS.2 powered by Gem 42-1 engines and with upgraded gearbox. Thirty built from new, with deliveries starting in March 1982 and all remaining HAS.2s (53 aircraft) converted to HAS.3 standards.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p114">Lake 2000, p.114.</ref><ref name="James p410">James 1991, p. 410.</ref>
;Lynx HAS.3GM
:Modified HAS.3 helicopters for the Royal Navy, for service in the [[Persian Gulf]], with improved electronic warfare equipment, revised [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] and provision for [[Forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) under fuselage. Originally deployed for the 1990–91 [[Gulf War]]. Designated HAS.3S/GM when fitted with secure radios.<ref name="Lake pt2 p114-5"/> (GM denotes ''G''ulf ''M''odification).
;Lynx HAS.3S
:Improved version of the HAS.3 for the Royal Navy fitted with secure radio systems.<ref name="Lake pt2 p114-5">Lake 2000 pp. 114–115.</ref>
;Lynx HAS.3SGM
:An improved HAS.3GM with integrated Secure V/UHF communications, Mode 4 IFF, Loral Challenger ALQ 157 Infra Red Countermeasures turrets (fitted on the fuselage side high up just behind the Pilot's/Observer's doors), M130 Chaff/Flare dispensers and provision for Sandpiper [[Forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) mounted under the port side inboard weapon carrier. First aircraft converted was ''XZ733'', which deployed with the Type 22 frigate [[HMS Brave (F94)|HMS ''Brave'']] in January 1991 for Operation Granby ([[Gulf War]]).{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}
[[File:LynxInAntarctica.jpg|thumb|right|Royal Navy Lynx HAS.3(ICE(S)) supporting an Antarctic [[research station|research base]]]]
;Lynx HAS.3ICE
:HAS.3 modified for Antarctic service aboard ice patrol ships {{HMS|Endurance}}. Designated '''HAS.3SICE''' when fitted with secure radios.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p115">Lake 2000, p. 115.</ref>
:;Lynx HAS.3CTS
::HAS.3 upgraded with avionics system proposed for HMA.8. Seven converted as test beds.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p115"/>
;Lynx Mk.4(FN)
:Upgraded version for the [[Aéronavale]], with Gem 42-1 engines. Fourteen built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p115"/>
;Lynx HMA.8:Upgraded maritime attack version based on Super Lynx 100. Gem 42-200 engines, BERP type main rotors and larger tail rotor of AH.7. Fitted with [[FLIR]] in turret above nose, with radar moved to [[radome]] below nose.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p118-9">Lake 2000, pp. 118–119.</ref>
;Lynx HMA.8(DSP)
:DSP from [[digital signal processor]].
;Lynx HMA.8(DAS)
:DSP aircraft were modified with "Defensive Aids Subsystem".{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
;Lynx HMA.8(SRU)
:DAS aircraft modified with SATURN ("Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO") Radio Upgrade. Incorporates SIFF ("Successor to IFF").{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
;Lynx HMA.8(CMP)
:Combined Mods Programme. SRU aircraft modified with improved communications and defensive systems.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

With all HMA.8 aircraft upgraded to CMP standard, HMA.8(CMP) aircraft were re-designated back to HMA.8(SRU). The Lynx HAS.8 fleet is currently undergoing further modifications, by the Lynx Operational Support Team, to improve self-defence, mission execution and survivability. These modifications will not affect the SRU designation.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

===Export variants===
[[File:Helicopter of the Brazilian Navy (cropped).jpg|thumb|Super Lynx of the [[Brazilian Navy]]]]

;Lynx Mk.21
:Export version of the HAS.2 for the [[Brazilian Navy]]. Brazilian navy designation '''SAH-11'''. Nine delivered.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p113">Lake 2000 p. 113.</ref>
;Super Lynx Mk.21A
:Version of the Super Lynx (based on HAS.8) for the Brazilian navy, with Gem 42 engines and 360° traverse Seaspray 3000 radar under nose. Nine new build helicopters plus upgrades of remaining five original Mk.21s.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p119">Lake 2000, p. 119.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1876-brazilian-navy-signs-contract-for-lynx-mk21a-maritime-helicopters-upgrade.html |title=Brazilian Navy Signs Contract for Lynx Mk21A Maritime Helicopters Upgrade |publisher=navyrecognition.com |date=4 July 2014 |access-date=8 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710031959/http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1876-brazilian-navy-signs-contract-for-lynx-mk21a-maritime-helicopters-upgrade.html |archive-date=10 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>  Brazilian navy designation '''AH-11A'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;Super Lynx Mk.21B
:Upgrade of Mk.21A for Brazilian Navy, with CTS800 engines and updated avionics. Brazilian designation '''AH-11B'''. Eight to be upgraded.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Harding|first=Ian|title=Modernised Super Lynx for Brazilian Navy|magazine=[[Air International]]|date=December 2017|volume=93|issue=6|page=16|issn=0306-5634}}</ref>
;Lynx Mk.22
:Unbuilt export version for the [[Navy of Egypt|Egyptian Navy]].<ref name="Lake pt 2 p113"/>
;Lynx Mk.23
:Export version of the HAS.2 for the [[Argentine Navy]]. Two built. Grounded due to British embargo on spares following Falklands War. Single surviving helicopter later sold to Denmark.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p113"/> The two Lynx 23s took part in the Argentine invasion and occupation of the Falkland Island in March 1982 as part of Task Force 40; one was lost in an accident on ''Santisma Trinidad'' on 2 May 1982.<ref>Burden et al. 1986, p. 53-55</ref>
;Lynx Mk.24
:Unbuilt export utility version for the Iraqi army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
[[File:Lynx MLD (17585606056).jpg|thumb|A Lynx Mk.25 with the Royal Netherlands Navy]]
;Lynx Mk.25
:Export version of the HAS.2 for the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]]. Designated ''UH-14A'' in Dutch service. Used for utility and SAR roles.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p113"/> Six built.<ref name="JAWA 2003 p496">Jackson 2003, p. 496.</ref>
;Lynx Mk.26
:Unbuilt export armed version for the Iraqi army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk.27
:Export version for the Royal Netherlands Navy with 836&nbsp;kW (1,120&nbsp;kW) Gem 4 engines. Equipped for [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] missions with dipping sonar. Designated ''SH-14B'' in Dutch service. 10 built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p114" />
;Lynx Mk.28
:Export version of the AH.1 for the [[Qatar]] Police. Three built.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk.64
:Export version of the Super Lynx for the [[South African Air Force]].
[[File:Danish navy Lynx (cropped).jpg|thumb|A Royal Danish Navy Lynx Mk.80]]
;Lynx Mk.80
:Export version for the [[Royal Danish Navy]] based on the HAS.3 with folding tail. Eight built.<ref name="James p421">James 1991, p.421.</ref>
;Lynx Mk.81
:Upgraded ASW version for the Royal Netherlands Navy, powered by Gem 41 engines with no sonar but fitted with towed [[Magnetic anomaly detector]]. Designated ''SH-14C'' in Dutch service, and mainly used for training and utility purposes. Eight built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p116">Lake 2000, p. 116.</ref>
;SH-14D
:UH-14A/SH-14B/SH-14C Lynx upgraded to a common standard by the Royal Netherlands Navy under the STAMOL programme with Gem 42 engines, provision for dipping sonar and FLIR. 22 upgraded.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p116"/>
;Lynx Mk.82
:Unbuilt export version for the Egyptian army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk.83
:Unbuilt export version for the Saudi Arabian army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk 84
:Unbuilt export version for the Qatar army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk 85
:Unbuilt export version for the United Arab Emirates army.<ref name="Lake pt 1 p137"/>
;Lynx Mk.86
:Export SAR version of the HAS.2 for the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]].<ref name="Lake pt 2 p114"/>
;Lynx Mk.87
:Embargoed export version for the Argentine navy. Two completed and sold to Denmark as Mk.90<ref name="Lake pt 2 p116"/>
;Lynx Mk.88
:Export version for the [[German Navy]] with Gem 42 engines, and dipping sonar. Nineteen built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p117">Lake 2000 p.117.</ref>
;Super Lynx Mk.88A
:Upgraded export version for the German Navy with Gem 42 engines, under-nose radome with 360° traverse radar and FLIR above nose. Seven new build helicopters plus conversion of 17 Mk.88s.<ref name="germ upg 1998"/><ref name="Lake pt 2 p120">Lake 2000, p. 120.</ref>
;Lynx Mk.89
:Export version of HAS.3 for the Nigerian navy. Three built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p117"/>
;Lynx Mk.90
:Export version for the Royal Danish Navy, modified from embargoed Argentine Mk.87s. Lynx Mk.90A is the upgraded version.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p117"/> The Lynx Mk.90 and Mk.90A were upgraded to Super Lynx standard and designated Mk.90B.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p120"/>
;Lynx Mk.95
:Former version of Super Lynx for the [[Portuguese Navy]], with Bendix radar in undernose radome, dipping sonar but no FLIR. Three new build plus two converted ex-Royal Navy HAS.3s.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p120"/><ref>Matos 2020, p.87.</ref> The Lynx Mk.95A is the new version for the [[Portuguese Navy]]. It has been upgraded since 2020 with CTS 800 engines, new [[glass cockpit]], tactical processor, new avionics and new electrically powered rescue hoist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portuguese Navy takes delivery of first upgraded Lynx |url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/portuguese-navy-modernizes-helicopter-fleet-with-delivery-of-first-upgraded-lynx/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Royal Malaysian Navy Super Lynx helicopter (cropped).jpg|thumb|Super Lynx of the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]]]]
;Super Lynx Mk.99
:Version of Super Lynx for the [[South Korean Navy]], with Seaspray 3 radar in undernose radome, dipping sonar, and FLIR, for anti-submarine and anti-ship operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://koreadefence.net/wys2/file_attach/2010/04/17/1271472897-50.jpg |title=Super Lynx ASW exercise |access-date=25 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518011123/http://koreadefence.net/wys2/file_attach/2010/04/17/1271472897-50.jpg |archive-date=18 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Twelve were built. Super Lynx Mk.99A is the upgraded version with improved rotor, with a further 13 built.<ref name="Lake pt 2 p121">Lake 2000, p. 121.</ref>
;Super Lynx Mk.100
:Super Lynx for the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]], with 990&nbsp;kW (1,327&nbsp;hp) CTS-800-4N engines.<ref name="new life p90">Gray ''Flight International'' 16–22 July 2002, p. 90.</ref> Six built.<ref name="Fitter p92">Penney. ''Flight International''. 16–22 July 2002, p.92.</ref>
[[File:US Navy Seahawk and Omani Navy Super Lynx MOD 45167847.jpg|thumb|Omani Super Lynx 120 with US Seahawk behind]]
;Super Lynx Mk.110
:Super Lynx 300 for Thai Navy. Four ordered.<ref name="Fitter p92"/><ref name="Flight World air force 08 p73">''Flight International''. 11–17 November 2008, p. 73.</ref>  Locally designated '''H.TPh.1''' ({{langx|th|ฮ.ตผ.๑}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;Super Lynx Mk.120
:Export version for the Royal Air Force of Oman. 16 built.<ref name="Fitter p92"/>
;Super Lynx Mk.130
:Export version for the Algerian Navy. Four ordered.<ref name="Flight World air force 08 p52">''Flight International''. 11–17 November 2008, p. 52.</ref>
;Super Lynx 300
:Advanced Super Lynx with CTS-800-4N engines.<ref name="new life p90"/>

===Projects===
;Lynx HT.3
:Proposed training version for the [[Royal Air Force]], not built.
;Lynx 3
:Enhanced Lynx variant with Westland 30 tail boom and rotor, Gem 60 engines, new wheeled tricycle undercarriage and [[MIL-STD-1553]] databus. Only one prototype built ([[United Kingdom military aircraft serial numbers|serial]]/registration ''ZE477'' / G-17-24) in 1984.<ref name="flight-lynx3">{{cite journal |date=5 March 1983|title=Lynx family gets tougher |journal=[[Flight International]] |page=596 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200402.html |access-date=30 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105091057/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200402.html |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Battlefield Lynx
:Proposed export version of Lynx AH.9.
;Battlefield Lynx 800
:Proposed export version of Lynx AH.9 with [[LHTEC T800]] engines,<ref>''Flight International'' 30 January-5 February 1991, p.16.</ref> the project was suspended in 1992.<ref>''Flight International'', 11–17 March 1992.</ref> One demonstrator helicopter was built and flight tested.<ref name="Eden p497">Eden 2004, p. 497.</ref>
;Lynx ACH
:Proposed ''A''dvanced ''C''ompound ''H''elicopter technology demonstrator, partly funded by the Ministry of Defence. Announced in May 1998, the ACH was planned to be powered by [[RTM322]] engines with variable area exhaust nozzles and a gearbox from the Westland 30-200; they have wings attached at cabin roof level and [[BERP rotor blade]]s. It was predicted to fly approximately 50% faster than a standard Lynx.<ref name="flight-ach">{{cite journal|last=Warwick |first=Graham |date=1998-05-27 |title= Westland prepares compound helicopter demonstrator |journal= [[Flight International]] |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1998/05/27/37545/westland-prepares-compound-helicopter-demonstrator.html}}</ref>
;Westland 606
:Proposed civilian variant.<ref>"Westland plans new helicopters." ''The Times'' [London, England] 28 August 1974: 19. The Times Digital Archive. Web. 22 November 2014.</ref>
::Westland 606-10 proposed civil variant powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6-34B engines.
::Westland 606-20 proposed civil variant powered by Gem engines.

Notes: AH=Army Helicopter, HAS=Helicopter, Anti-Submarine, HMA=Helicopter, Maritime Attack, IFF=Identification Friend or Foe, (GM)=Gulf Modification, (S)=Secure speech radio, and SIFF=Successor to IFF.

===Derivatives===
;[[Westland 30]]
: Medium helicopter based on the Lynx, using some dynamic systems with a new, enlarged fuselage for up to 22 passengers.
;[[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]
: Further development of the Super Lynx with two [[LHTEC T800|LHTEC CTS800]] engines; previously known as the ''Future Lynx''.

==Operators==
[[File:German marine Lynx departs USS Whidbey Island.jpg|thumb|German Lynx departs {{USS|Whidbey Island|LSD-41|6}}]]
;{{ALG}}
*[[Algerian National Navy|Algerian Navy]]<ref name=" WAF 2014">{{cite web|url= http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId=|title= World Air Forces 2014|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2014|access-date= 4 December 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160107141621/http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq=&elqCampaignId=|archive-date= 7 January 2016|url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{BRA}}
*[[Brazilian Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{GER}}
*[[German Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{MYS}}
*[[Royal Malaysian Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{OMN}}
*[[Royal Air Force of Oman]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{POR}}
*[[Portuguese Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{RSA}}
*[[South African Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37809:saaf-at-95-falls-short-of-1998-defence-reviews-equipment-recommendations&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |title=SAAF at 95 falls short of 1998 Defence Review's equipment recommendations |publisher=defenceWeb |date=2015-02-03 |access-date=2016-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813203356/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37809:saaf-at-95-falls-short-of-1998-defence-reviews-equipment-recommendations&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |archive-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Lynx no. 193.JPG|thumb|right|Lynx of the [[South African Navy]]]]
;{{KOR}}
*[[Republic of Korea Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{THA}}
*[[Royal Thai Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
[[File:Cobta Gold Thai Navy Lynx.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Royal Thai Navy]] Lynx ]]

===Former operators===
;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Navy]]<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%203180.html | title= World Air Forces 1986 pg.34 | publisher= flightglobal.com | access-date= 4 December 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306024649/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%203180.html | archive-date= 6 March 2016 | url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{flaglist|Denmark}}
*[[Royal Danish Navy]]/[[Royal Danish Air Force]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
;{{FRA}}
*[[French Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/><ref name="frret"/>
;{{NLD}}
*[[Royal Netherlands Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-dutch-lynx-flies-last-operational-mission-376661/ |title= Dutch Lynx flies last operational mission |access-date= 4 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141109024217/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-dutch-lynx-flies-last-operational-mission-376661/ |archive-date= 9 November 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{NGA}}
*[[Nigerian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=26061|title=Directory: World Air Forces|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626011052/https://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=26061|archive-date=26 June 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;{{flaglist|Norway}}
*[[Royal Norwegian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/norway-ramps-up-pressure-over-nh90-delays-380125/ |title= Norway ramps up pressure over NH90 delays |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 4 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141207214148/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/norway-ramps-up-pressure-over-nh90-delays-380125/ |archive-date= 7 December 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{PAK}}
*[[Pakistan Navy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/296/|title=Pakistan naval air arm Lynx|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205105939/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/296/|archive-date=5 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{flaglist|Qatar}}
* [[Qatar Police]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.key.aero/article/fast-cats-50-years-lynx-family | title=Fast Cats 50 Years of the Lynx Family }}</ref>
;{{UK}}
* [[Royal Navy]]<ref name="WAF 2014"/>
* [[British Army]]

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:Duxford Imperial War Museum, Westland Lynx - geograph.org.uk - 4590430.jpg|thumb|Retired Westland Lynx, at Duxford Imperial War Museum, 2015]]
* ''G-LYNX'', Westland's former demonstrator, is preserved at [[The Helicopter Museum (Weston)|The Helicopter Museum]], [[Weston-super-Mare]]<ref name="heli Weston">[http://helicoptermuseum.co.uk/westland.htm "AgustaWestland Helicopters."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622041218/http://helicoptermuseum.co.uk/westland.htm |date=22 June 2015}} ''The Helicopter Museum'', Retrieved: 16 October 2014.</ref>
* ''ZE477'', the Lynx-3 prototype, is on display at The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare<ref name="heli Weston"/>
* ''XZ720'' is preserved at the [[Fleet Air Arm Museum]], [[Yeovilton]]<ref>[http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/westland-lynx-xz720/6-30-95.aspx "Westland Lynx (XZ720)."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031190443/http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/westland-lynx-xz720/6-30-95.aspx |date=31 October 2014}} ''Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum'', Retrieved: 16 October 2014</ref>
* ''XZ194'', a Lynx AH.7, is on display at [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/sites/default/files/public-document/List%20of%20Exhibits%20at%20IWM%20Duxford.pdf|title=List of exhibits at IWM Duxford|publisher=IWM|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804184715/http://www.iwm.org.uk/sites/default/files/public-document/List%20of%20Exhibits%20at%20IWM%20Duxford.pdf|archive-date=4 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''XZ185,'' a Lynx AH.7, is on display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]], Arizona<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pimaair.org/visit/museum-aircraft/westland/|title=Westland - Pima Air and Space Museum - Tucson, Arizona|website=Pima Air and Space Museum|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526221548/https://pimaair.org/visit/museum-aircraft/westland/|archive-date=26 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''XZ246'', a Lynx HAS.3ICE, is on display at the [[South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum]], Doncaster<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum {{!}} Aircraft List|url=https://www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk/aircraftlist|access-date=2021-03-17|website=sy-aircraft-museum|language=en|archive-date=12 March 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210312142627/https://www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk/aircraftlist|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''239-UA'',a Lynx AH.7 [[Airframe]], is used as a game zone prop at Driver Wood Activity Centre, [[Copthorne, West Sussex]]<ref name=":1" />
*''ZG921'', a Lynx AH.9A, is on display at the [[National Army Museum]] in Chelsea, London<ref>{{Cite web |title=Demobbed - Out of Service British Military Aircraft |url=https://www.demobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=11210 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=www.demobbed.org.uk}}</ref>
*''ZD280'', a Lynx AH.7, is on display at the [[Farnborough Air Sciences Trust]] in Farnborough, Hampshire<ref>{{Cite web|title=FAST Aircraft on Display - Lynx AH7|url= https://airsciences.org.uk/aircraft-on-display-westland-lynx-ah7-zd280/}}</ref>
* A Westland Lynx (Lynx Mk.86) once flown by the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] is on display at the [[Norwegian Aviation Museum]] in Bodø, Norway
* A Westland Lynx (Lynx Mk.86) once flown by the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] is on display at the [[Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection]], at Gardermoen outside Oslo, Norway

==Specifications (Super Lynx Series 100)==
[[File:Westland Lynx AH.1 3-view line drawing.png|right|350px]]
[[File:Lynxarmy.jpg|thumb|right|Rendering of a Lynx in Army Air Corps livery]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2005-06,<ref name=JAWA2005-2006>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2005-06 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2005 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=9780710626844 |edition=96th|pages=211–214 }}</ref> British Army<ref name="Brit Army">{{citation |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23288.aspx |title=Lynx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141028202427/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23288.aspx |archive-date=28 October 2014 |publisher= British Army |access-date=16 October 2014}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=2-3
|capacity=8 troops / {{cvt|3000|lb|0}} maximum underslung load
|length ft=43
|length in=9.25
|length note=including tail-rotor
*'''Length overall:''' {{cvt|50|ft|m|2}}
*'''Length folded:''' {{cvt|35|ft|7.25|in|2}}
*'''Width folded:''' {{cvt|9|ft|7.75|in|2}}
*'''Height folded:''' {{cvt|10|ft|8|in|2}}
|height ft=12
|height in=0.5
|height note=including tail-rotor
|empty weight lb=7225
|empty weight note=<br>
*'''Operating weight:'''
:*ASW mission {{cvt|10181|lb|0}} (2x torpedo)
:*ASV mission {{cvt|9641|lb|0}} (2x [[Sea Skua]])
:*Surveillance and targeting mission {{cvt|8174|lb|0}}
:*SAR mission {{cvt|8329|lb|0}}
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=11750
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|210|impgal|USgal l|0}} usable internal fuel + optional {{cvt|75.9|impgal|USgal l|0}} cabin tank or 2x {{cvt|97|impgal|USgal l|0}} ferry tanks
*'''Maximum usable fuel capacity:''' {{cvt|411|impgal|USgal l|0}}
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[LHTEC CTS800-4N]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engines
|eng1 shp=1362
|eng1 note=for take-off, {{cvt|1267|shp|0}} maximum continuous
*or 2x [[Rolls-Royce Gem|Rolls-Royce Gem 42-1]] - {{cvt|1000|/|890|shp|0}}

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=42
|rot dia in=0
|rot area sqft=1385.4
|rot area note=<br>
*'''Blade sections:''' - '''root:''' RAE 9648; '''tip:''' RAE 9645/9643<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts=175
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=285
|range note=
|combat range nmi=540
|combat range note=with auxiliary fuel
**ASW {{cvt|20|nmi|mi km|0}} with dipping sonar + one torpedo and 2 hours on station
**Point attack: {{cvt|125|nmi|mi km|0}} with 4x [[Sea Skua]]
**Surveillance: {{cvt|75|nmi|mi km|0}} - 3 hours 50 minutes on station
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=5 hours 20 minutes with auxiliary fuel
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=41.4
|disk loading note=max
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass={{cvt|0.1565|shp/lb}}

|more performance=
<!--   Armament
-->
|armament=*Naval: 2 × torpedoes ''or'' 4 × [[Sea Skua]] missiles ''or'' 2 × depth charges
*Attack: 1 × 20mm Oerlikon cannon, 2 × 70mm rocket pods [[CRV7]], 8 × [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] ATGM
*General: 7.62 mm [[FN MAG|General Purpose Machine Gun]]s (AH.7 and AH.9), 0.50 inch [[M2 Browning machine gun|Browning AN/M3M heavy machine gun]]s (HAS.3, HMA.8 and AH.9A)
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|seealso= <!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
|related= <!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]]
* [[Westland 30]]
|similar aircraft= <!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability this design: -->
* [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]
* [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite]]
* [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]
* [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]]
|lists= <!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of aircraft of the Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)]]
* [[List of utility helicopters]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last= Burden|first= Rodney A |author2=Michael I Draper |author3=Douglas A Rough |author4=Colin R Smith |author5=David L Wilton |title= Falklands – The Air War|year= 1986|publisher= Arms and Armour Press|location= London|isbn=0-85368-842-7}}
* Donald, David and Christopher Chant. ''Air War in the Gulf 1991''. Osprey Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|1-84176-295-4}}.
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* English, Richard and Oppenheimer, A. R. ''IRA, the Bombs and the Bullets: a History of Deadly Ingenuity''. Irish Academic Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-0-7165-2895-1}}.
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* Finlan, Alastair. ''The Gulf War 1991''. Osprey Publishing, 2003. {{ISBN|1-84176-574-0}}.
* Gibbings, David. ''Putting the Record Straight''. Picton Publishing, 1988. {{ISBN|978-0-948251-38-2}}.
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* Gray, Peter. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2002/2002%20-%202112.html New Life For Lynx]". ''[[Flight International]]'', 16–22 July 2002. pp.&nbsp;84–90.
* [[Toby Harnden|Harnden, Toby]]. ''Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh''. [[Hodder & Stoughton]], 2000. {{ISBN|0-340-71736-X}}.
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* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200238.html "T800-engined Lynx set for Paris debut"]. ''Flight International'', 30 January – 5 February 1991. p.&nbsp;16.
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{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons|Westland Lynx}}

* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20051106031818/http://www.vectorsite.net/avlynx.html The Westland Scout, Wasp, & Lynx page on vectorsite.net]}}
* [http://www.helis.com/database/go/westland_lynx.php Westland Lynx section on helis.com]
* [https://records.fai.org/records?f%5B0%5D=field_record_category%3A1415 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) rotorcraft world records page]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%201301.html "Westland-Aerospatiale Lynx"] a 1974 ''Flight'' article

{{AgustaWestland aircraft}}
{{Westland aircraft}}
{{AvN aircraft designations}}
{{Thai helicopter designations}}

[[Category:1970s British military utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s British attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s British anti-submarine aircraft]]
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:1970s British helicopters]]
[[Category:Search and rescue helicopters]]
[[Category:Westland aircraft|Lynx]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1971]]
[[Category:Anti-submarine helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear]]