Leonardo has announced that the Portuguese Navy has taken delivery of its first upgraded Lynx Mk95A. The aircraft has been delivered to Montijo, Portugal.

The Navy has been operating the Lynx for three decades and the modernization program will see the upgraded aircraft in-service into the 2030s. The upgraded aircraft provides the Portuguese Navy with significant capability enhancements from the original Mk95 aircraft with the introduction of AW159 technology. The upgrade includes 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.

In February 2020, the first Lynx took to the skies for the first time at Leonardo’s Yeovil site. Four Portuguese Navy pilots also underwent aircraft qualification in the United Kingdom in 2020.

The modernization program of Lynx Mk95A is a real step-change for the Portuguese Navy. The upgrades will provide extra capability to the aircraft with the new engines and Tactical Air Navigation System; these technologies will enable the customer to undertake missions safely and effectively.

The Lynx family of helicopters have been continuously developed over the last 40 years to provide a very robust multi-role, multi-mission capability in both maritime and battlefield utility roles.

Leonardo’s ability to undertake Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) programs means that customers and operators are able to extend the operational capability of Lynx aircraft.

The MLU program upgrades enhance in-service Lynx aircraft through the introduction of structural enhancements and modern systems driving increased reliability and capability. At the heart of the MLU is a new avionics core, based on the AW159, including new Integrated Display Units as well as a Tactical Processor, which integrates the new and legacy mission systems to provide a greater level of service capability to its customer base. This is part of Leonardo’s ‘Be Tomorrow 2030’ strategy.

This story was prepared and distributed by Leonardo.