YEOVIL, England, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- AgustaWestland in Britain has marked the end of its Lynx Mk9A helicopter upgrade program for the British army air corps.
The production total of 22 helicopters was ordered as Urgent Operational Requirements in November 2008 -- for 12 aircraft -- and March 2010 for the remainder.
"The Mk9A program has been a major success story for both AgustaWestland and the Ministry of Defense," said AgustaWestland Ltd. Chairman Graham Cole.
"Many doubted this major upgrade program could be done in the timescale initially laid down, but I am very pleased to say not only will we complete the delivery of the final aircraft in December but we will have achieved this milestone three months ahead of schedule."
The upgrade to the helicopters included work on the aircraft's main gear box, top deck structure and rear fuselage for a new engine, the CTS800-4N. Changes were also made for new engine controls and digital cockpit displays.
To mark completion of the upgrades a ceremony was held at the company's Yeovil, England, facility.
