Portuguese Navy takes delivery of first upgraded Lynx Mk95A

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.

Portuguese Navy Lynx Mk95A — **In February 2020 the first Lynx took to the skies for the first time at Leonardo’s Yeovil site while four Portuguese Navy pilots also underwent aircraft qualification in the UK last year.** 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.