Craig Hoyle / London
The UK Ministry of Defence has come under renewed pressure to improve the self-defence capabilities of its battlefield helicopters following the deaths of five personnel in a Westland Lynx AH7 crash in southern Iraq.
The aircraft, assigned to the Royal Navy’s 847 Naval Air Squadron, crashed in Basra at 13:50 local time on 6 May during a routine mission over the city, crewed by personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Two Royal Air Force personnel were also on board the Lynx for a familiarisation flight, including Wg Cdr John Coxen, incoming commander of the UK’s Joint Helicopter Command detachment in Basra.
The MoD has refused to verify reports that the helicopter was shot down by insurgents using a rocket-propelled grenade or surface-to-air missile, but confirms the Lynx was equipped with a defensive aids suite. The results of a Board of Inquiry investigation are unlikely to be available for several months.
The crash has also highlighted the MoD’s delayed action in improving the capabilities of its army and navy Lynx helicopters, which are awaiting approval for upgrade to AgustaWestland’s Future Lynx standard. Early last year, the company was confirmed as preferred bidder to modify up to 80 of the aircraft to meet the MoD’s Land Find and Maritime (Surface) Attack requirements, but a contract has yet to be agreed. “We hope to make an announcement soon on the Future Lynx project,” the MoD said last week.
AgustaWestland, Lockheed Martin and Thales have received 15-month contracts worth a combined £3.5 million ($6.6 million) to assess airframe and mission system options for the Royal Navy’s Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control project.
Source: Flight International
