Westland Sea Lynx Mk.88

First flying in 1971, the Westland Lynx to this day holds the international speed record for a helicopter at 249.09mph, new designs have gone faster but are not classed as a traditional helicopter. The landing skid equipped version of the Lynx entered service with the Army Air Corps in 1979 as the AH.1 and the navalised version equipped with undercarriage entered service with the Royal Navy as the HAS.1 in 1981. The Lynx was continually developed and marketed to new customers throughout its production life and eventually was developed into the Super Lynx series with uprated engines and avionics.  

The German Navy has operated the Mk88 Sea Lynx since 1981 and has since upgraded the fleet to Super Lynx standards. The type has served in the anti-submarine role aboard Germany Navy vessels throughout its service and has been key to Germany’s contribution to the international effort to combat piracy off Somalia since 2012. 

The German Navy will be sending their soon to be retired Sea Lynx for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo. 

Photo Credit: Aviation Photocrew