Lynx Mk 80

        Denmark acquired 10 Lynx (eight Mk80 and two Mk90) for fishering protection duties with the Sovaernets Flyvetjeneste (Naval Flying Service). They replace ageing Alouette IIIs and operated from “Huidbjorner” Class vessels when not shore-based at Vaerlose.  Though intended for shipboarne operation, they are fitted with folding tails. Twin-engined safety and the ability to refuel in flight while hovering above the ship (HIFR-Helicopter in Flight Refuelling) were crucial capabilities for the Danes.

        All of the Danish Lynxes were based on the HAS. Mk3, with ARI 5979 Seaspray radar and Decca TANS and Doppler navigational equipment. The first batch of eight of these new helicopters was newly built as Lynx Mk80, and were delivered in a overall dark gloss blue colour scheme.

        The first aircraft, S-134, made its maiden flight on 3 February 1980. these initial eight aircrafts were originally delivered with 900 shp (671 kw) Gem 2 Mk 101 engines, and ad AUW of 9,750 lb (4423 kg). The aircraft were subsequently re-engined with Gem 42-1 Mk 204 engines, rated at 1,120 shp (836 kw). With these new engines, the Mk80s AUW rose to 10,750 lb (4876 kg).

        Two more aircraft were acquired in 1987/1988 to replace two of the original aircraft (which had crashed in 1985 and 1987), designated as Mk90s by the UK Mod, at Westland´s request, giving a degree of commonality in designations.

        Denmark also purchased Argentina´s surviving Lynx Mk23, together with entire spares holding, including five brand-new Gem engines. Delivered by C-130 in November 1987, the aircraft (provisionally serialled S-035) was stripped for spares and converted to serve as a simulator.

        In service, the surviving Danish aircraft have been upgraded with 360º Orange Reaper RWR, a Racal kestrel ESM system and a turret-mounted AAQ-22 SAFIRE FLIR below the forward edge of the port cabin door. Under the same tactical data system upgrade (carried out between 1990 and 1994) Denmark Lynxes received a Trimble Trimpack GPS, a cockpit management system, a new datalink and a tactical situation display. Uprated gearboxes compensated for increased weight.

     Since 1991/1992, the Danish Lynxes have operated from four new “Thetis” class ships.

A third Danish lynx crashed in 1997, but is expected to be rebuilt to flying condition. The Lynx Mk80s and Mk90s are to be further upgraded, to Mk80A Super Lynx standards, under a recently announced MLU, gaining the four-bag flotation system, Gem 42 series (Gem 43) engines, an uprated main gearbox, the Racal Tactical Data System, and increase in maximum AUW to 11,300 lb (5126 kg).

        When modified, the aircraft will be designated Lynx Mk90B.

Lynx Mk 90

        The Royal Danish Air Force augmented its eight new build Lynx Mk80s with a pair of identical aircraft based on the undelivered, embargoed pair of Mk87 aircraft built for Argentina. They were brought up to the same standard as the “ Final Configuration” Mk80, with Gem 42-1engines and a 10,750lb (4876kg) AUW. The second aircraft (unflown as a Mk87) made its first flight as a Mk90 on 19 April 1988. The two Lynx Mk90s have received the same in-service upgrades as the original Mk80s bringing them to Lynx Mk90A standard and will be re-designated when the ongoing Mid Life Upgrade is completed. Plans to upgrade the sole surviving Argentinean Mk23 to the same standards did not reach fruition, though the serial S-035 was reserved.

Super Lynx Mk 90B

        Denmark has announced a major ($36,5 million) Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) for its surviving eight Lynx Mk80As and Mk90As, aimed at extending their lives to 2015. The aircraft are to receive composite main tail rotors blades, a revised fuel system (with a two-seat bench tank in the rear of the cabin), and some of the primary structure will be replaced by newly-built assemblies provided by Westland, in the same way that Germany Lynxes are re-airframed. The life-extension programme is scheduled to begin in 1999, and will be completed by 2003, with Westland modifying the first “trial installation” aircraft, and supplying modification kits for the remainder, to be incorporated locally at RDAF Vaerlose. GKN Westland will also rebuild the crashed S-170 to Mk90B standards.