Fastest helicopter

What to remember

On 11 August 1986, John Egginton flew a specially modified Westland Lynx, registered G‑LYNX, at 400.87 km/h (249.09 mph), or Mach 0.33. The FAI ratified the mark as the airspeed record for helicopters, a category that leaves out compound helicopters.

The Lynx is a British multi-purpose, twin-engined military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its Yeovil factory. First meant as a utility machine for civil and naval use, it was developed in battlefield and naval versions once the military showed interest, and entered service in 1977. Over a dozen nations adopted it, mainly for battlefield utility, anti-armour, search and rescue and anti-submarine roles.

The Lynx is also fully aerobatic and can fly loops and rolls.