Lynx Maritime Helicopter

The AgustaWestland Super Lynx is a twin-engined maritime helicopter specifically designed to operate off small ships and in adverse weather conditions. The Super Lynx variant was developed from the Mark 8 Lynx baseline currently still in service with the Royal Navy. Three Super Lynx variants, basically similar to the RSA version, are flying with Oman, Thailand and Malaysia. The structure is a semi-monocoque light-alloy incorporating four flotation bags to allow for crew egress in the event of ditching in the sea and it is also fitted with an Emergency Locator Transmitter as a crew survival aid. The SAAF is purchasing four Super Lynx 300 Mk 64 helicopters which must be seen as a new capability for the SANDF. They will be operated as a Flight of 22 Squadron, based at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town. 22 Squadron has traditionally been the SAAF squadron providing helicopter support to the SA Navy and has, through its history, operated Wasp, Alouette III, Puma, Oryx and Super Frelon helicopters from a range of naval vessels.

Roles
This helicopter is being purchased primarily to operate as an integrated sensor platform to enhance and extend the operational capability of the recently purchased SAN Meko class Frigates. Other roles will include Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Surveillance, Control of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ), Utility/Troop Transport, Vertical Replenishment and Aircrew Training.

General Information
The Lynx has a glass technology cockpit and is cleared for single pilot operations in Instrument Flight (IFR) conditions by day and night. The displays comprise of 4 primary units providing flight, navigation, radar and sensor information, along with a further two providing engine and system monitoring data. The aircraft will be crewed by a pilot and a tactical co-ordinator for the majority of its normal roles, but can be configured for a two-pilot operation for training purposes.

Power Plant. It is powered by two 2 LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines provided with dual FADEC systems.

Avionic Management. The avionics systems are managed by twin integrated Thales UK Control Display and Navigation Units (CDNU) using modern databus technology. An emergency control panel is provided for discreet control of the CDNUs and IFF amongst other systems. A Data Transfer Device is provided to transfer mission data to and from the helicopter.

Communication Systems. The aircraft has two V/UHF radios produced by Reutech Defence Industries, a HF radio from Grintek and a Datalink system produced by Thales Advanced Engineering. These systems are all locally produced in the RSA. A telebrief system is also fitted to allow secure communication with the ship whilst the helicopter is on deck prior to take-off.

Navigation Systems. The Lynx has an embedded GPS/INS system, as well as a Direction Finding system. Information is provided by an Attitude and Heading Reference System, a Doppler and an Air Data System. The helicopter is also equipped with VOR and DME.

Surveillance and Identification Systems. The Denel Optronics Argos 410-M Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) System is installed along with a Telephonics 360 degree Search Radar. The IFF and Electronics Support Measures (ESM) systems are both locally produced, being the Tellumat PT-2000 and the Sysdel Sea Raven, respectively.

General. The helicopter also has an automatic flight control system and a radio altimeter to enhance capability and safety. A spares package is being purchased to allow the aircraft to conduct embarked operations from the Frigates, as well as at the main base at 22 Squadron. Westland are also providing training to both air and ground crew at their training centre in the UK prior to helicopter delivery.

Armament. The intention is to initially purchase a door-mounted machine gun. Whilst the Lynx is also certified to carry Sea Skua Air to Surface Missiles, Mk 44 and Mk 46 torpedoes, Mk11 depth charges, 2.75inch rockets and a GIAT NC621 20 mm cannon pod, none of these systems is to be acquired at this point but all or some of them could form part of a future capability upgrade.

Performance Data. The maximum take-off weight is 5,330 kilograms (11,726 pounds). In the observation role a typical range would be in the region of 300 nautical miles, whilst endurance would be in excess of 2.5 hours. It can carry up to 6 passengers and has a normal operating speed of 120 knots.

Timescales of the Programme
The initial helicopter had its first flight in April 2006 at the Westland facility in Yeovil in the UK, and this aircraft is currently busy with a development flight test programme primarily testing the RSA-specific systems fitted to the helicopter, such as the communications, the radar, the FLIR and the ESM, amongst others. To date progress is highly satisfactory. The fourth aircraft is scheduled for its first flight during January 2007. The acceptance test programme is such that the aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Cape Town in July 2007. The Release to Service process will then commence and it is hoped that the SAAF acceptance of the fully operational system will be completed by the end of 2008. The aircraft is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years with a total flight time of 10,000 hours between the fleet.

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