The SAAF Forum

The Lynx helicopter, registered G-LYNX, flew a 15km course across the Somerset Levels at 500 ft on a calm hazy evening back in 1986 with Westland Chief Test Pilot Trevor Eggington at the controls and Derek Clews, Flight Test Engineer alongside. The average speed achieved over two runs was 249.1 mph (400.87 kph), beating the record held by a modified Mil “Hind” helicopter by over 20 mph (32 kph).

The world record flight was made possible by the introduction of the advanced technology composite blades developed as part of the British Experimental Rotor Programme (BERP) project. The BERP programme was carried out in co-operation with the UK Ministry of Defence to produce an advanced technology rotor blade, which would exploit the advantages to be gained by aerodynamic tailoring through the use of modern composite materials and construction methods. The first BERP blades were flown on 9th August 1985 and such was the progress achieved G-LYNX was able to claim the World Speed Record just one year later. The BERP blades are now fitted to all Lynx helicopters in service and the same technology was used for the EH101 main rotor blades.

yes designed in England not much aircraft they have designed has good looks,nimrod,Vulcan,Canberra,Lightning to name and shame a few,but they perform well,Looking forward to the finished product Brent!!

What, the Vulcan, Can and Lightning not good looking Adrian, it's clear you're a chopper guy !!!

By the way, no Lynxs left flying for the military in the UK. Been replaced by the Wildcat which is waaaaaay uglier. Saw a Lynx do a backflip from a hover at RIAT. Awesome machine.