This Westland Lynx, naval variant is a British helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. The initial design (then known as the Westland WG.13) was started in the mid-1960s as a replacement for the Westland Scout with the British Army and the Wasp with the Fleet Air Arm. The Lynx made its first flight on 21st March 1971.
The Lynx HMA.8 is an anti-submarine warfare helicopter equipped with the Sea Skua anti-ship missile for Royal Navy warships. XZ726 represents an HMA8 of 815 Naval Air Squadron and serving on HMS Manchester.
The Lynx's most prominent combat role to-date was operating the Sea Skua to devastating effect against the Iraq Navy during the 1991 Gulf War. The Lynx also saw service with British Army forces during that conflict.