The Lynx Mk7/9 had a Vne of 156Kts yet it held the speed record of over 200kts (heavily modified aircraft) - it would exceed 156 (without the TOW booms) with ease in level flight and I was advised by an ex-TP that it only started to become a handful above 180 Kts.
Of course I never tried it.............................................
I'm sure Shy will remember the dive to Vne (168Kts) in the Gazelle - and then the subsequent pull into jackstall