Final flypast as Army cuts Lynx with the past

It was the most British of military helicopters '“ designed and built by a firm that could trace its origins back to the airship era. Even in retirement it was still being put to use in the traditionally English pursuit of caravanning.
Four of the Army Air Corps' last remaining Lynx Mk9 helicopters from 657 Squadron take off from RAF Odiham in Hampshire as they begin a commemorative tour to mark the helicopter's decommissioning from Army service.Four of the Army Air Corps' last remaining Lynx Mk9 helicopters from 657 Squadron take off from RAF Odiham in Hampshire as they begin a commemorative tour to mark the helicopter's decommissioning from Army service.
Four of the Army Air Corps' last remaining Lynx Mk9 helicopters from 657 Squadron take off from RAF Odiham in Hampshire as they begin a commemorative tour to mark the helicopter's decommissioning from Army service.

The Westland Lynx, a classic utility craft that has been the army’s longest-serving chopper, was finally retired yesterday after a final flypast that took in a dozen of its former bases but bypassed Yorkshire by about 50 miles.

It was, said the lead pilot, “a huge moment for everyone who has flown it over the years”.

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Yorkshire had already bade farewell to the Lynx, an all-purpose flyer turned out from the former Westland factory in Yeovil since the 1970s. Nearly two years ago, four of the fleet had taken a final tour of the region, over Harrogate, the Dales, York and the Kilburn White Horse before returning to Dishforth Airfield.

A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.
A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.

Yesterday’s flypast marked the mothballing of the rest of the fleet – one of which has already found a new home on a caravan site near Preston, converted to sleep four for £110 a night including TV and fridge.

“It is hugely emotional saying goodbye to the Lynx. It carves out a big chunk of your heart,” said Maj James Peycke, Commanding Officer of 657 Squadron, who led four of the last remaining Lynx on a commemorative tour from RAF Odiham in Hampshire. The aircraft – the 12th generation helicopter from Westland – will be formally decommissioned from service at the end of the month.

Westland itself, which dated from before the Second World War, is now in Italian ownership.

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Yesterday, the four Mk9 Lynx defied thunder and the threat of snow as they lifted off on a last salute that took in Yeovil and Middle Wallop, before flying in formation, led by a Chinook helicopter, along the length of the River Thames.

A Mark 7 Lynx helicopter from 3 Reg Army Air Corps, 16 Air Assault Brigade on a combat patrol, over Basra, IraqA Mark 7 Lynx helicopter from 3 Reg Army Air Corps, 16 Air Assault Brigade on a combat patrol, over Basra, Iraq
A Mark 7 Lynx helicopter from 3 Reg Army Air Corps, 16 Air Assault Brigade on a combat patrol, over Basra, Iraq

Maj Peycke confessed to a lump in his throat as the last wheels touched down.

“Not only does it mark the out-of-service date for the Lynx and the 75th anniversary of the squadron, but also the closure of the squadron in May and the end of my tour as an officer commanding, so it’s an emotional moment,” he said.

Introduced as a primary battlefield utility helicopter, the Lynx has over the decades has also destroyed tanks, evacuated the wounded and provided humanitarian support. It has been deployed in the jungles of South East Asia and the sub-zero Arctic, and has supported troops in Bosnia, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone.

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The Lynx was also used by the Royal Navy, whose helicopters went out of service last March after four decades of operations.

A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.
A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter producing a spectacular display with its decoy flares.

But its decommissioning represents progress, not a loss, said Staff Sergeant Nathan Sharples, one of yesterday’s pilots. It was, he said, “time for the old girl to retire”.

The Army is replacing the Lynx with the Wildcat, which has more powerful engines and can operate at a higher altitude.

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