First Flight for Upgraded Portuguese Lynx

Marinha Portuguesa, February 18, 2020 - The five helicopters of the Portuguese Navy Lynx MK95 reached in 2015 the half-life condition.

After 23 years of operation, it became necessary to modernize some avionics systems and equipment, including the engines.

Thus, the Portuguese Navy signed a contract with Leonardo Helicopters (exclusive manufacturer of the Lynx), with the objective of modernizing the helicopters, on July 21, 2016, having started the modernization project in September of the same year.

The five helicopters are being subjected to structural modification work resulting from the installation of new engines. In the avionics area, upgrades are being made to the help and navigation systems, with updated inertial navigation systems being introduced.

Within the scope of these interventions, work is still underway to replace the current instrument panel and the current hydraulic rescue winch with a more reliable electric winch, as well as the installation of a vibration dampening system for the main rotor.

This helicopter is expected to arrive at the end of the 1st semester of this year.

The Portuguese Navy has operated Lynx Mk95 Helicopters since 1993.