Lynx Mk 21

         Brazil ASW/ASUW rolled Mk21 was closely based on the baseline RN HAS. Mk2, with Gem 2 Mk 1001 engines rated at 900 shp (671 kw), and later armed with Sea Skua ASMs, Mk9 deph charges or Mk46 torpedoes.

         The first made its maiden flight on 30 Sptember 1977. Nine were built (the last flight on 14 April 1978). They were locally referred to as SAH-11, and equipped Esquadrão de Helicopteros  de Esclarecimento e Ataque 1 (HA-1) at São Pedro da Aldeia from 1978.

       The Lynxes can operate from any of the Brazilian Navy´s diverse fleet of destroyers and frigates, “Niteroi” Class (RN Type 21), "Greenhalgh" Class (RN Broadword), "Inhaúma" Class, "Para" Class (only one).

         The "Inhaúma" Class is the smallest deck for night operations with the Lynx, in all Lynx operators.

         Five were subsequently converted to Mk21A standards.

Super Lynx Mk 21A      

        The original Lynx Mk21 was popular in Brazil, despite a relatively heavy attrition rate, and it came as no real surprise that the Brazilian Navy became the third export customer for the Super Lynx. An intention to order a follow-on batch of Super Lynx was announced in 1991. Brazil took delivery of 14 Super Lynxes, nine newly built (N4001-N4009) and five (N4010-N4014) produced by the conversion of existing Mk21s, in a £150 million deal signed in 1993. The Brazilian Lynxes lacked CTS and FLIR, but were equipped with the 360º Seaspray 3000 radar, Doppler 71 and RNS252 INS, and have provision for FLIR, recce pods or a “dunking” sonar. The aircraft are powered by the Gem 42-1, with composite main rotor blades and the reverse direction tail rotor.
       
        The aircraft also feature a new bolted main rotor head raises maximum AUW to 11,750lb (5330kg). The first airframe for conversion (N3027) was redelivered to Yeovil on 1 February 1995, and the first in its new configuration on 23 March 1996. the first new-build Mk21A (N4001) made its maiden flight on 12 June 1996, and was handed over to the customer in July 1996.

        The Mk21A is powered by a pair of Gem 42-1 engines, each rated at 1,120shp (836kw).