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accurately, in all weather conditions and at night; and at
altitudes which will minimise its vulnerability to defensive
systems.
12. The first part of the development phase was completed in
September 1974 after the aircraft had made a successful first
flight on 14 August 1974. The second part of the development
phase has now begun and will last until the end of 1975. Progress
will be reviewed around the middle of the year. Preparation work
for production has been authorised.
Project definition is under
way in the United Kingdom of an air defence variant for the
Royal Air Force, to be equipped with an advanced new radar and
air-to-air guided weapons.
Lynx
13. The Lynx twin-engined helicopter is at an advanced stage of
development and production work has now begun.
First delivery
The Lynx is notable
to the British Services is expected in 1976.
for its speed and range and will improve the operational capa-
bilities of the Royal Navy's new classes of frigates and destro-
yers, enabling them to attack submarines with light-weight torpedoes, and surface vessels with the planned Skua missile (see paragraph 20 below). Lynx will also carry out surveillance
and
reconnaissance.
A utility version to carry anti-tank guided weapons is being developed for the Army; it will also be used for
casualty evacuation, as an airborne command post, for directing
artillery fire and for the rapid movement of men and supplies.
Hawk
14.
The HS 1182, now named the Hawk, is in full development and
made its first flight successfully last summer. It will be used
VII-5
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