The Portuguese Navy has taken delivery of its first upgraded Lynx Mk95A naval helicopter at Montijo, Portugal, recently, with the type provided a range of enhancements compared to earlier variants.
Modernisation work included the installation of LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, a new glass cockpit with integrated display units, a tactical processor, upgrades to the avionics suite and a new electrically powered rescue hoist. A total of five upgraded platforms will be delivered to the Portuguese Navy by rotary prime Leonardo.
In a July 28 release announcing the delivery Leonardo stated the upgrade programme would be a “step-change” for the Portuguese Navy.
The Lynx family of helicopters have been a mainstay over the past 40 years, with customers operating the type able to benefit from mid-life upgrade programmes to extend the service of the aircraft.
Leonardo stated that the MLU programme upgrades enhance in-service Lynx aircraft through the introduction of structural enhancements and systems driving increased reliability and capability, centred on a new avionics core, based on the AW159, including new integrated display units and tactical processor.
