Lynx OEU
Encyclopedia
The Lynx Operational Evaluation Unit (LOEU) is an independent unit within the Royal Navy
’s Lynx Helicopter Force (LHF). Charged with Operational Evaluation, Trials, Training and provision of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for new equipment projects and service modifications entering service within the Lynx Helicopter Force.
, the unit is well placed to act as the centre of excellence for trials activity within the LHF.
Recent trials include live guided missile firings (Lynx Mk8 S), operational evaluation of defensive aids suites (Lynx Mk8 DSP) and assessment of new NVG compatible landing lamps (Lynx Mk3). In addition the unit is providing SMEs to the SCMR / Future Lynx (FLynx) programme as part of the LHF SCMR Fielding Team’s involvement in the FLynx Combined Test Team. Such activity involves close liaison with many external agencies, such as the MOD
's Lynx Integrated Project Team, AgustaWestland
and Boscombe Down
(Mission Systems and Rotary Wing Test Squadron
).
The LOEU currently operates 4 Westland Lynx
HMA 8 Saturn / CMP, but is allotted other marks as required for trials activity.
, 702 Naval Air Squadron, an independent unit and has been badged as 700(L) Squadron during the introduction to service of Lynx HAS 2/3 and Lynx HMA 8.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
’s Lynx Helicopter Force (LHF). Charged with Operational Evaluation, Trials, Training and provision of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for new equipment projects and service modifications entering service within the Lynx Helicopter Force.
Trials and Evaluation
Commanded by a trained Test Pilot, with an Aerosystems trained Observer as Executive Officer, both previously assigned to MoD Boscombe DownMoD Boscombe Down
MoD Boscombe Down is an aircraft testing site located at Idmiston, south of Amesbury, in Wiltshire, England. It is run and managed by QinetiQ, the company created as part of the breakup of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency in 2001 by the UK Ministry of Defence...
, the unit is well placed to act as the centre of excellence for trials activity within the LHF.
Recent trials include live guided missile firings (Lynx Mk8 S), operational evaluation of defensive aids suites (Lynx Mk8 DSP) and assessment of new NVG compatible landing lamps (Lynx Mk3). In addition the unit is providing SMEs to the SCMR / Future Lynx (FLynx) programme as part of the LHF SCMR Fielding Team’s involvement in the FLynx Combined Test Team. Such activity involves close liaison with many external agencies, such as the MOD
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)
The Ministry of Defence is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces....
's Lynx Integrated Project Team, AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is an Anglo-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company. It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica S.p.A. and GKN plc agreed to merge their respective helicopter subsidiaries to form AgustaWestland with Finmeccanica and GKN each holding a 50% share.AgustaWestland is now a...
and Boscombe Down
MoD Boscombe Down
MoD Boscombe Down is an aircraft testing site located at Idmiston, south of Amesbury, in Wiltshire, England. It is run and managed by QinetiQ, the company created as part of the breakup of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency in 2001 by the UK Ministry of Defence...
(Mission Systems and Rotary Wing Test Squadron
Rotary Wing Test Squadron
Rotary Wing Test and Evaulation Squadron is a tri-service UK military organisation based at MoD Boscombe Down, Wiltshire. Primarily, the squadron is responsible for test and evaluation of rotary wing aircraft and equipment, or their associated modifications.-Squadron Role:To test and evaluate...
).
Training
The LOEU is currently the primary trials and training unit for the Lynx HMA Mk8 Saturn and associated Combined Modifications Programme (CMP). Having created a bespoke training course it is now converting operational Lynx Mk8 crews onto the latest equipment and software standard.Aircraft
Westland Lynx
The Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants...
HMA 8 Saturn / CMP, but is allotted other marks as required for trials activity.
(A Very Brief) History
The Lynx OEU has gone through many changes in structure and command and control during its existence. It has been part of 815 Naval Air Squadron815 Naval Air Squadron
815 Naval Air Squadron is a squadron of the Fleet Air Arm, part of the Royal Navy. The squadron is currently based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, United Kingdom and it is the Navy's front line Lynx Naval Air Squadron. It currently comprises more than 30 Lynx helicopters of various types...
, 702 Naval Air Squadron, an independent unit and has been badged as 700(L) Squadron during the introduction to service of Lynx HAS 2/3 and Lynx HMA 8.