Future Lynx is NOT the same airframe as existing Lynx (any Mk, inc SL 300). Future Lynx carries almost a tonne more payload than any current Lynx, has new primary structure, new engines, new tail rotor, new avionics, new sensors, new comms, new nav kit, new glass cockpit etc etc. It does use the existing BERP III MRB and existing (but uprated) gearbox though..........
Still isn’t what’s required though. The requirement has been written/amended in close partnership with the UK's Best Helicopter maker.
Cabin is still the same size, although due to new style crashable pax seating, will carry less blokes in the back. The engines are more powerful and with that, thirstier. Due to the dimensions being the same as the old version, similar sized fuel tanks mean it actually has a reduced range.
Crash worthy. It's hard to make a 30 year old design compatible with all the latest and future requirements for a battlefield heli. A bit like trying to make a Ford Anglia pass the Euro ENCAP test.
Will it actually be able to talk to the rest of the future battlefield with Bowman?
The bottom line is that there is no money for procurement of a Gucci accessory to AH. (Due to the purchase of said AH). A 'cut and shut' Lynx is the order of the day. We should at least consider ourselves lucky that they will at least have zero hours and have plastic seat covers. God forbid we extend Lynx even further beyond 2010.
On the plus side, the glass cockpit is nice and the optics will actually be rather good. I feel that we will still get the '1.3L' version as opposed to the '2.6GLX'.
Totally agree with the sentiment regarding
I think the main issue that contributors should consider is that Apache Longbow is awesome for generic war fighting however there is now more requirement for an aircraft to operate in Operations Other than War.
At present, we do about 1% of killing tanks/suppressing the enemy/deep strike type ops. The remaining 99% is taken up with what would be considered by 673 Sqn as niff naff and trivia by 'legacy' aircraft. That would also be true of the near and middle future too. I would think that a decent investment should go into that sphere. A slightly better insurance policy than 67 cold war assets with a sqn emblem not dissimilar to a chavs first tattoo!
