Lynx AH.7 Helicopter

The Lynx AH.7 attack/utility helicopter is operated by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) as part of the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and by the Army Air Corps (AAC), including 657 Squadron AAC of the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW).

Note: the AH7s flown by 657 AAC are likely to feature some non-standard bits of kit - both countermeasures and communications - exact details of which are not in the public domain.

In the attack configuration, the Lynx AH.7 is armed with 8 FITOW (further Improved TOW) wire-guided missiles on 2x4-tube racks on hardpoints attached to the fuselage. The FITOW is a wire-guided anti-tank missile with a dual warhead and a top-down attack capability. The Raytheon TOW sight can also be used for reconnaissance operations.

When configured for the utlity role, the Lynx AH.7 can carry up to 9 troops. In conventional warfare scenarious, the Lynx is often used to transport small anti-tank missile teams around the battlefield. A GPMG door gun is often mounted in one of the helicopter's cabin doors. 2 can be fitted, although doing so leaves little room for carrying stores or troops. 657 Sqn AAC Lynx helicopters are typically armed with 7.62mm Miniguns.

The Lynx AH.7 can carry 1350kg of underslung external stores.

2 Lynx helicopters can be transported in the hold of 1 C-130 Hercules. In the build up to Operation Barras, in which 657 AAC participated, 2 of their Lynx AH7 helicopters were airlifted into Sierra Leone by a RAF Hercules.

Lynx AH.7 Specifications

Royal Marines Commandos prepare to abseil down from a Lynx of the Commando Helicopter Force. photo credit : US DoD

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