Westland Lynx: Fastest Helicopter

The world's fastest conventional helicopter, despite its modest appearance, has held the title of fastest helicopter flight since 1986. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which oversaw the Westland Lynx, awarded the helicopter the speed records for fastest speed reached in a helicopter of the 3,000-4,500 kilogram (6,613.868-99,208 pound) weight class as well as the Absolute World Record for Rotorcraft.

The Westland Lynx traveled over Somerset, England, at an average speed of just over 248 miles per hour. Despite the fact that speedier rotorcraft since have not been categorized as real helicopters but rather as hybrid aircraft with forward propulsion, such as convertiplanes, the milestones may have been made decades ago but they have not yet been surpassed.

The Westland Lynx employed customized main blades developed by the British Experimental Rotor Programme to combat blade stalling behavior that would be exacerbated by high speed flight. Together with the UK Ministry of Defense, Westland collaborated on this program. The overhauls that would enable the helicopter to reach record speeds included high-speed main blades, water and methanol power increases to the engine, as well as a reduction in the size of the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, to help spread the stresses of high-speed flying, the tail rotor and fins were changed.

Role: Multi-purpose military helicopter
National origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Westland HelicoptersAgustaWestland
First flight: 21 March 1971
Introduction: 1978
Retired: 2017 (Royal Navy), 2018 (British Army), 2020 (French Navy),
Status: In service
Primary users: British Army (historical)Royal Navy (historical)German NavySee Operators for others
Number built: 450 (as of 2009)
Developed into: Westland 30 Agusta Westland AW159 Wildcat