Wildcat Rises

摘要

AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat ZZ400 made its maiden fight on November 12 from Yeovil in Somerset. The manufacturer's Chief Test Pilot, Don Maclaine, flew the helicopter, during which handling characteristics were assessed. The first Lynx Wildcat is configured in the light battlefield support role. It will be joined by two more in 2010 and all three will be used to complete the flight test phase of the type's development. The Wildcat is a development of the Lynx family incorporating a simpler and more robust airframe, fully integrated avionics including a glass cockpit with four 10in × 8in (254mm × 203mm) primary displays, and more powerful 1,281shp (956kW) Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company CTS800-4N powerplants (see Wildcat and Lynx AH9A on the Way , June 2009, p5).