Thu, May 27, 2010
Missions Include Convoy Overwatch, Recon, Troop Movements
Upgraded British Army Lynx Mk9A helicopters have arrived for use
in Afghanistan after being shipped from the UK, and are already
being put to good use. The Lynx Mk9As, with their increased fire
power, more powerful engines, and the ability to operate all year
in the harsh 'hot and high' Afghan environment, have increased the
total number of flying hours available to commanders.
The stripped-down helicopters were transported by C-17
Globemaster aircraft from RAF Brize Norton to Camp Bastion in
Afghanistan. There, the rotor blades were fitted and
familiarization flights took place before operational sorties began
in earnest earlier this month. The Lynx Mk9A is also fitted with a
more advanced communication system, improved surveillance equipment
and the M3M machine gun - a 0.50-calibre weapon capable of firing
over 850 rounds per minute.
The new helicopters are already performing a wide range of front
line tasks, including convoy overwatch, support helicopter escort,
reconnaissance and surveillance, and the movement of forces. "We
are now in Afghanistan, playing an important role in protecting our
ground forces and carrying out surveillance, boosting performance
in Afghanistan's challenging conditions," said Major Max Lytle,
Army Air Corps, Officer Commanding 672 Squadron.
The upgraded Lynx joins the other aircraft in Joint Helicopter
Force (Afghanistan) [JHF(A)], commanded from Camp Bastion. This
Force comprises helicopters from all three Services operating to
support the multinational coalition effort, including Chinooks,
Merlins, Apaches and Sea Kings. "They are an extremely valuable
addition to the UK helicopter force and the modifications they
carry make them an extremely effective platform," said Wing
Commander 'Spats' Paterson RAF, the Commanding Officer of
JHF(A).
Army aircrews undertook extensive pre-deployment flight training
on the new aircraft in Kenya to gain flying experience in similar
'hot and high' conditions before the start of their first
operational tours in the Lynx Mk9A.
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