Lynx helicopter welcomed back to Portland home

THE gleaming Black Cats Lynx helicopter was welcomed back to its original home at the former RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey) yesterday afternoon after a restoration programme.

The Lynx completed its long life as one of the Black Cats Lynx Display Team and will resume its guard at Dean and Reddyhoffs Portland Marina, on loan from RNAS Yeovilton, until March, 2017.

Senior aircraft engineer for the Lynx, Lieutenant Commander Ben Perkins-Brown said: The Lynx helicopter has been on loan from Yeovilton since the Olympics and the weather had basically began to wear it down.

"A Yeovilton squadron took it away and restored it to its former gleaming condition and returned it to its home here in Portland.

The Westland Lynx (XZ250) that stands as gate guardian to Portland Marina completed its service life after 32 years, accumulating a remarkable 7,667 flying hours.

Dean and Reddyhoff hosted yesterday's ceremony which was attended by the mayors of Weymouth and Portland, Commander Louis Wilson-Chalon, as well as various members of the Lynx Helicopter Force from RNAS Yeovilton, 1st Portland Scouts and representatives from Portland.

Richard Reddyhoff, of Dean and Reddyhoff Marinas, said: I am delighted with the return of the marinas gate guardian which has already caused considerable interest with visitors.

"The helicopter was much missed when she returned to RNAS Yeovilton for some tender loving care."

He stressed the importance of the sites association with Portlands historical past and expressed thanks to the Royal Navy with hopes these links will be maintained in the future.

Commander Wilson-Chalon, who has had the experience of flying the XZ250, said: I remember flying round Portland Harbour and across Dorset.

Read the original:
Lynx helicopter welcomed back to Portland home