bobdina
09-16-2009, 08:26 PM
Lynx Flies With New, More Powerful Engines
By tim mahon
Published: 16 Sep 2009 17:45
LONDON - AgustaWestland announced Sept. 16 the first successful test flight at its Yeovil factory of a British Army Lynx AH Mk.9A helicopter fitted with new, more powerful engines. The maiden flight lasted 60 minutes, with the aircraft handling as expected, according to the company.
The aircraft is one of 12 current AH Mk.9 airframes being fitted with the CTS800-4N engines, which develop 37 percent more power than the current Gem engines, allowing the aircraft to perform better in "hot-and-high" conditions at high gross weights.
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The modification stems from an Urgent Operational Requirement contract signed in December 2008, calling for technologies to be pulled forward from the AW159 Lynx Wildcat program to improve performance in conditions such as those found in Afghanistan.
AgustaWestland began work on the contract before signature to ensure rapid completion. The first flight has taken place within 10 months of contract award. A written-off airframe supplied by the Ministry of Defence was used to test structural changes and installation procedures as a risk-reduction exercise.
In addition to the new engines, the main gear box, top deck structure and rear fuselage have undergone structural modifications. The cockpit also has been modified to cater to new engine controls and digital displays.
Graham Cole, managing director, AgustaWestland, said after the flight, "the rapid progress we have been able to make on this program highlights the benefits of partnering, under the framework of the Strategic Partnering Arrangement, which will see these aircraft being back on the front line supporting our troops in the shortest possible time."
The first four aircraft will be delivered in late 2009 and the remaining eight during 2010.
By tim mahon
Published: 16 Sep 2009 17:45
LONDON - AgustaWestland announced Sept. 16 the first successful test flight at its Yeovil factory of a British Army Lynx AH Mk.9A helicopter fitted with new, more powerful engines. The maiden flight lasted 60 minutes, with the aircraft handling as expected, according to the company.
The aircraft is one of 12 current AH Mk.9 airframes being fitted with the CTS800-4N engines, which develop 37 percent more power than the current Gem engines, allowing the aircraft to perform better in "hot-and-high" conditions at high gross weights.
Related Topics
* Europe
The modification stems from an Urgent Operational Requirement contract signed in December 2008, calling for technologies to be pulled forward from the AW159 Lynx Wildcat program to improve performance in conditions such as those found in Afghanistan.
AgustaWestland began work on the contract before signature to ensure rapid completion. The first flight has taken place within 10 months of contract award. A written-off airframe supplied by the Ministry of Defence was used to test structural changes and installation procedures as a risk-reduction exercise.
In addition to the new engines, the main gear box, top deck structure and rear fuselage have undergone structural modifications. The cockpit also has been modified to cater to new engine controls and digital displays.
Graham Cole, managing director, AgustaWestland, said after the flight, "the rapid progress we have been able to make on this program highlights the benefits of partnering, under the framework of the Strategic Partnering Arrangement, which will see these aircraft being back on the front line supporting our troops in the shortest possible time."
The first four aircraft will be delivered in late 2009 and the remaining eight during 2010.