Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

The Brazilian Navy gave AgustaWestland a $160 million-plus contract for the upgrade of eight Super Lynx Mk 21A helicopters. The Navy has operated the Lynx since 1978, receiving nine Mk 21s followed by nine Mk 21As. Five of the Mk 21s were later upgraded to Mk 21As.


The new upgrade includes replacement of the Rolls-Royce Gem turboshafts with more powerful LHTEC CTS800-4Ns that will provide a major performance improvement in hot and high conditions, providing gains in payload and combat radius, according to the company. A new glass cockpit will include a tactical processor, satellite-based navigation, Tcas, ILS and RWR/ESM. The displays will be compatible with pilots’ night-vision goggles. There will also be a new, electrically powered rescue hoist.


The contract covers support and training, including a flight training device.


The helicopters will be upgraded at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory in the UK for redelivery from autumn 2017 to early 2019.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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