Agusta Westland, SATTAHIP NAVAL BASE, Thailand: At a ceremony aboard HTMS Taksin, Admiral Sampop Amraparn, Commander in Chief, formally accepted the Super Lynx into operational service with the Royal Thai Navy.
The Royal Thai Navy Super Lynx 300 aircraft are operated by 203 Squadron based at U-Tapao and will be used for a wide range of naval roles including maritime patrol, search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. The aircraft will primarily operate from the Narasuan Class frigates, but are also capable of operating from all other Royal Thai Navy ships with aviation facilities.
Speaking at the ceremony Ron Jones, Business Group Director, AgustaWestland, said “It is a great pleasure to commemorate today the entry into operational service of the Super Lynx 300 with the Royal Thai Navy. AgustaWestland, justifiably, calls the Super Lynx the world's best small ship helicopter and now the Royal Thai Navy can fully utilise its multi-role capabilities, providing it with a new capability in maritime operations. We are proud that the Royal Thai Navy is the latest member of the growing family of Super Lynx operators and we now look forward to supporting the aircraft and working with the Royal Thai Navy for many years to come.”
The Super Lynx 300 is powered by two CTS800 engines produced by LHTEC, a Rolls-Royce and Honeywell joint venture, providing the aircraft with excellent performance even when operating in very hot climates. The engines also feature a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, low maintenance, high reliability and excellent economy, thanks to its modern high technology design.
The aircraft is fitted with a comprehensive navigation and communications package as well as a BAE Systems Seaspray surveillance radar, which provides a surface search capability in the anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles as well as for SAR and maritime patrol duties. The advanced radar is the aircraft
