The display team consists of Lead helicopter flown by Lt Dave Turner and Lt Paddy McWilliams and Number 2 piloted by Lt Steve Gamble and Lt Joe Dransfield. They will fly either Mk 3s or Mk 8s during the display. It depends on the operational duties of the rest of the squadron as to which aircraft fly in the display. Royal Navy Lynx Mk 3 and Mk 8 Developed within the Anglo-French partnership, the Lynx achieved its first flight on 21 Mar 1971. The Mk 3 Lynx has operated with the Royal Navy since 1982 deployed aboard Frigates and destroyers throughout the world.
 | | Aerobatics with a helicopter!!! |
The aircraft operates in a variety of roles including; anti surface warfare, anti submarine warfare, reconnaissance, communication and vertical replenishment. In the warfare roles the aircraft can be armed with Sea Skua anti ship missiles, depth charges, stingray torpedoes and the M3M machine gun. Since the early 1990’s, the Mk 3 has undergone modifications and upgrades to become the Mk 8 DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Upgrades include a computerised central tactical system that allows the crew to manage complex tactical situations and a passive Identification device. Primarily an anti-surface and anti-submarine helicopter designed to operate from frigates and destroyers of the Fleet, this fast and capable aircraft has recently been updated to the Mk8 standard, which is now in service throughout the Fleet. The aircraft is being fitted with a very advanced Central Tactical System and Passive Identification Device in addition to the equipment currently fitted. Each independent flight comprises a pilot, an observer and a team of 7 maintainers. They embark in their ship whenever it sails. Able to fire the Sea Skua anti-surface missile, which proved highly effective during the Gulf war, the Lynx forms an integral part of the ships detection and weapon system and can project the influence of a ship over great distances with the key element of surprise.
 | | Formation flying. |
In addition to the Sea Skua the Lynx has the Sting Ray torpedo and the older technology, but nevertheless most effective depth charge for anti-submarine warfare. The aircraft may also be fitted with a machine gun pod. The home base for all seaborne Lynx is the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset. A second variant of the Lynx is in service with the Royal Navy. The attack/utility version is operated in support of the Royal Marines in conjunction with the Commando Sea King. It fires the TOW anti-armour missile and gives an autonomous and flexible response against tanks and armoured personnel carriers to the Land Force Commander during Amphibious Operations. Technical Engines - 2 x 900hp Rolls Royce GEM BS 360-07-26 free power turbines
Rotor diameter - 12.8m
Length - 13.4m
Height - 3.5m
Max Speed - 180 knots
Max weight - 4.4 tonnes
Lieutenant Dave "Topsy" Turner He joined the Royal Navy in 1991. After graduating from Brittania Royal Naval College, Dartmouth he completed flying training at RNAS Culdrose.
 | | Lieutenant Dave "Topsy" Turner. |
He joined 820 NAS flying the Seaking MK 6 serving in the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. After converting onto the Lynx helicopter in 1997 he operated as the flight pilot on board HMS MONTROSE. After a brief period as the assistant operations officer for 815 NAS he joined the Lynx Simulators as an instructor. Following selection for and completion of Qualified Helicopter Instructors course in 2002, he taught on 705 SQN DHFS flying the Squirrel HT1. Joining 702 NAS in April 2003 he currently instructs on both Lynx HAS 3 and HMA 8 DSP aircraft. Lieutenant Steve Gamble After growing up in Northern Ireland and attended Queen’s University, Belfast. He gained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering before joining the Royal Navy in early 1996.
 | | Lieutenant Steve Gamble |
During his fixed wing flying training, he flew the Firefly, Tucano and Hawk aircraft before commencing helicopter training on the Squirrel at RAF Shawbury. Joining 702NAS in Dec ’99, he completed Lynx training in 2000. Following deployments to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Arabian Gulf, he was selected to return to Shawbury and train as a Helicopter Instructor. Returning to 702NAS in May 2003, Lt Gamble currently instructs trainee pilots on both the Lynx Mk3 and Lynx Mk8 aircraft. Lieutenant Joe Dransfield He joined the Royal Navy in 1998 having completed a joint honours degree in Physics and Sports Science at Loughborough University.
 | | Lieutenant Joe Dransfield |
After initial Officer training he progressed on to flying training as an Observer, initially on the fixed wing Jetstream before moving on to the Lynx Mk3. Gaining his coveted wings in Dec ’00 he joined 815 NAS, the Lynx frontline Squadron and completed deployments to the Far East, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean before returning to the Gulf for Operation TELIC – the recent operations against Iraq. He has since returned to 702 NAS to instruct trainee Lynx Observers and Pilots, preparing them to join Operational Flights. Joe is originally from Boston, Lincolnshire but has lived in Exeter for the last 10 Years. Lieutenant Paddy McWilliams He joined the Navy in 1986 as an Artificer Apprentice, specialising as a Weapons Engineer. After his training, he volunteered for submarines and spent three years serving in HMS RESOLUTION, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
 | | Lieutenant Paddy McWilliams |
He was selected for Officer training in 1994 and on completion of BRNC trained at 750 NAS on Jetstreams before joining 702 NAS for his Lynx conversion. He then moved to 815 NAS in 1997 and served as Flight Observer in HM Ships CARDIFF, EDINBURGH and IRON DUKE during which time he deployed to the Mediterranean, South Atlantic and South America. He was also involved in Operations BASILICA and SILKMAN in Sierra Leone during 2000 and 2001. In 2002 he completed the Helicopter Warfare Instructor’s course and is now employed at 702 NAS, teaching Lynx tactics and weapons to future Pilots and Observers. Originally from Northern Ireland, Paddy now lives in Somerset. | 
