Westland Lynx

HAS2, HAS3 & HMA8 Anti-Submarine Helicopters


Lynx HAS3


The Lynx was a joint project between Westland (UK) and Aerospatiale (France) to produce a small military and naval helicopter based on Westland's WG13 design. The naval version was intended to replace the Wasp as a small ship based anti-submarine helicopter and serve on the new Type 21, Type 22 and Type 42 frigates and destroyers. The HAS2 entered service in 1977. The first HAS3, with uprated engines and a search radar, was delivered in July 1982. The latest version of the naval Lynx, the HMA8, is currently entering service and has further uprated engines and a more capable search radar.

A total of 60 HAS2 and 31 HAS3 were newly built for the Royal Navy. 53 HAS2 have been upgraded to HAS3 standard and a further 44 HAS3 are being converted to HMA8.

(Lynx HAS3)
Dimensions: Rotor diameter 12.8 m (42ft) ; Length 15.16 m (49ft 9in) ; Height 3.6 m (11ft 10in) ; Rotor Disc Area 128.71 sq.m (1,385.45 sq.ft)
Weights: Empty 3343 kg (7,370 lb) ; Maximum Take-off 4763 kg (10,500 lb)
Powerplant: two Rolls Royce Gem 41-2 turboshafts - 835 kW (1,135 shp) maximum power each.
Performance: Maximum cruising speed 144 mph (232 kph, 125 kt)
Avionics: Ferranti Sea Spray search radar ; Bendix AQS-18 dipping sonar ; ASQ-18 MAD ; 'Orange Crop' ESM.
Armament: 2 lightweight torpedoes or depth charges or 4 Sea Skua AShMs.