Corgi's Aviation Archive Die-cast metal model of the Westland Lynx AH7 - XZ221 in service with 9th Regiment, 16 Air Assault Brigade, Army Air Corps, Dishforth, 2008. Model size: 165mm Width 178mm. Limited Edition. A good model with armament detail.
The Lynx was designed and built by Westland Helicopters in Yeovil. Both battlefield and naval variants were developed, entering operational usage in 1977, and many were later adopted by over a dozen nations, primarily serving in battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare roles.
The initial design (known as the Westland WG.13) was started in the mid-1960s, with a first flight on 21st March 1971. In 1972, a Lynx broke the world record over 15 and 25 km by flying at 321.74 km/h. Shortly afterwards it also set a new 100km closed circuit record, flying at 318.504 km/h. In 1986, a Lynx specially modified with BERP (British Experimental Rotor Programme) rotor blades, registered G-LYNX and piloted by Trevor Egginton set an absolute speed record for helicopters over a 15 and 25 km course by reaching 400.87 km/h.
The British Army ordered 100 Lynx AH (Army Helicopter) Mk.1 for various roles, including tactical transport, armed escort, anti-tank warfare (with eight TOW missiles) reconnaissance and evacuation.