Lynx Mk 86

        The Norwegian Air Force (Lufttforsvaret) ordered six Lynxes for use by the civil Kystvart (Coast Guard) for SAR, fishery patrol and environmental control duties.

        The first made its first flight on 23 January 1981.

        Assigned to the Air Force´s Nº 337 Skvadron at Bardufoss, the aircraft operate mainly from tree Coast Guard “Nordkap” class patrol vessels in the North Atlantic (north of 65ºN). The Coast Guard supplies the Lynx winchmen, helicopter control and flight deck personnel on the ship. The Air Force operates and maintains the aircraft, providing pilots, navigators (all of whom are cross-trained technicians), crew chiefs and technicians. When a Lynx deploys aboard one of the Coast Guard ships (usually for a three week, 50 flying hour period) the Air Force pilots, navigators and single crew chief do theirs own daily inspections and minor maintenance. Technicians do not embark.

        With the same Gem 4 Mk 1010 engines and increased AUW as the Dutch Mk27, the six Norwegian Lynx Mk86 were only semi-navalised, lacking the normal folding tailboom of the navy Lynx.

        They are equipped with Decca TANS, Doppler 71, VOR/ILS, ADF and DME, as well as the Seaspray radar. In addition to the usual UHF, HF and VHF/AM radios, the Norwegian lynxes have a police/emergency service VHF/FM radio.

        The TANS is connected to the Agiflite camera, witch allows navigational data to be imprinted on photos of border/territorial water violations.

        A rescue hoist is used for SAR and for winching inspectors down to vessels being examined. It is also used to lift a fuel line to allow HIFR. Light stores racks are often fitted for smoke floats or flares.

        One Lynx (235) crashed on 12 January 1988, but was rebuild (as 350) and re-entered service in 1991.

        The aircrafts have been retrofitted with four-bag flotation equipment and BERP rotor blades.