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After 41 years of service, on 4 September 2020 the Aéronautique Navale (AN, French Navy) said farewell to its Westland Lynx helicopters.
The last unit operating the Lynx, 34 Flotille (34F) at Lanvéoc/Poulmic, operated a mix of Lynx HAS2(FN) and Lynx HAS4(FN) helicopters. After 46 years, the unit has now (temporarily) been disbanded. It was formed in 1974, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for detachments to frigates of the Marine National, with seven Alouette 3 helicopters. The first Lynx HAS2(FN) entered service with the unit in October 1979.
The Lynx HAS2(FN) was powered by Gem 2 engines, while the upgraded Lynx HAS4(FN) was powered by Gem 42-1 engines. The French Navy operated 42 Lynx helicopters: two prototypes Lynx HAS2(FN), 26 model HAS2(FN) and 14 model HAS4(FN). The Lynx was operated by 31F at St Mandrier, 34F and 35F at Lanvéoc/Poulmic. In 41 years of continuous service, the navy lost four Lynx HAS2(FN) and three Lynx HAS4(FN) helicopters.
The last unit operating the Lynx, 34 Flotille (34F) at Lanvéoc/Poulmic, operated a mix of Lynx HAS2(FN) and Lynx HAS4(FN) helicopters. After 46 years, the unit has now (temporarily) been disbanded. It was formed in 1974, providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for detachments to frigates of the Marine National, with seven Alouette 3 helicopters. The first Lynx HAS2(FN) entered service with the unit in October 1979.
The Lynx HAS2(FN) was powered by Gem 2 engines, while the upgraded Lynx HAS4(FN) was powered by Gem 42-1 engines. The French Navy operated 42 Lynx helicopters: two prototypes Lynx HAS2(FN), 26 model HAS2(FN) and 14 model HAS4(FN). The Lynx was operated by 31F at St Mandrier, 34F and 35F at Lanvéoc/Poulmic. In 41 years of continuous service, the navy lost four Lynx HAS2(FN) and three Lynx HAS4(FN) helicopters.
