PRIMEROS LYNX MK9 MODERNIZADOS/FIRST LYNX UPDATED LYNX MK9 RE-ENTERS IN SERVICE

Los 4 primeros helicópteros Lynx Mk9 modernizados han re-entrado en servicio, 3 de ellos están siendo usados para entrenamiento, antes de su despliegue a Afganistan, en el 9 Regiment Army Air Corps en Dishforth, North Yorkshire
Las mejoras en los 12 primeros 12 Mk9, fueron ordenadas por el Ministerio de Defensa hace un año.
El Mk9 lleva un nuevo motor, con mas potencia para operar en el clima extremo de Afganistán, el mismo que dotará al Lynx Wildcat previsto en 2014, además de mejorar la capacidad de carga en 1 tonelada. Otras mejoras son nuevo cockpit digitalizado, y nueva estructura para acomodar al nuevo motor. El resto de helicópteros hasta doce se entregarán este año, procedentes de la factoría de AgustaWestland en Yeovil, Somerset.
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The first four upgraded Lynx Mk9 helicopters, which are to be sent to Afghanistan, have re-entered service, with three of the aircraft now being used for training, prior to deployment, at 9 Regiment Army Air Corps in Dishforth, North Yorkshire
The upgrades on initially twelve Mk9s were ordered by the MOD a year ago, with upgrades on the remaining ten aircraft likely to follow.
The Mk9a benefits from a considerably more powerful engine that enables operation in the challenging hot and high conditions of Afghanistan and the same engine is also being fitted to the new Lynx Wildcat which is expected to be delivered to the military from 2014.Lift capacity in the Mk9a is increased by 1 tonne over the earlier version.
Other improvements include an updated instrument panel and digital displays and a modified gearbox and rear structure to accommodate the new powerplant. The remainder of the twelve helicopters will be delivered over this next year from AgustaWestland's factory at Yeovil, Somerset.
Their role will include fire support, troop transport and casualty evacuation.