Brazilian naval aviation recieves third modernized Lynx helicopter


On January 10, 2020, the 1st Helicopter Squadron for Clarification and Attack, based in São Pedro da Aldeia, received the third modernized AH-11B “Wild Lynx” aircraft.


Brazilian naval aviation recieves third modernized Lynx helicopter AH-11A Super Lynx (Picture source: US Navy)


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 battlefield utility, anti-armour, search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare roles. Super Lynx Mk.21B (Brazililin designation: AH-11B) is an upgrade of Mk.21A for Brazilian Navy, with CTS800 engines and updated avionics.

The arrival of yet another aircraft allows the EsqdHA-1 to continue the process of transitioning pilots to the new model. This process started in February 2019, when the first flights of Brazilian crews took place with the two aircraft, N-4001 and N-4004, in Brazil.

The AH-11B aircraft expands Squadron's clarification and attack capabilities along the Blue Amazon, considering that the aircraft has been modernized with new CTS-800-4N engines, a Glass Cockpit type panel compatible with Night Vision Goggles, a new system tactical and navigation, self-defense system that includes enemy decoy launchers, chaff and flare, in addition to the new Electronic War Support Measure equipment and Radar Warning Receiver (MAGE-RWR).