Farewell flight of Lynx

Four of the last Lynxes taking off at RAF Odiham yesterday. Right: Trooper Tibbitts making checks AGE finally caught up with the Lynx helicopter yesterday as it embarked on a farewell tour, marking a last salute to the British Army.

With a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, the Lynx entered service in 1978 and since then, as the Army’s longest-serving helicopter, has been used for a variety of tasks.

To mark its decommissioning on January 31, the Army Air Corps flew four of the last remaining Lynx from RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

Commanding Officer of 657 Squadron, Major James Peycke, said that bidding “farewell to the iconic machine” is a huge moment for everyone who has flown the Lynx over the years.

He said: “It is hugely emotional saying goodbye to the Lynx after my six years of flying it and it carves out a big chunk of your heart.”

Describing it as “hugely manoeuvrable”, Major Peycke said there is “never a dull day when you are flying” one.

The four Mk9 Lynx lifted off to thunder around the UK’s skies, taking in various locations, before flying in formation, led by a Chinook helicopter, along the the Thames in central London.

Before they departed, Major Peycke said they would have liked to include more locations but were restricted by winter daylight hours.

The Lynx, which was also used by the Royal Navy, is to be replaced by the Wildcat, which has more powerful engines and can operate at a higher altitude.

Air Trooper Toby Tibbitts, a ground crew specialist, who has been in the military for two-and-a-half years, said this is his first and only squadron so far and seeing the Lynx go was a “sad day” – but a proud one.