Wildcat Attack Helicopter Arrives On HMS Ocean

The Royal Navy's new attack helicopter, the Wildcat, has made its first landing on the commando carrier HMS Ocean.

Entering service last year the aircraft underwent extensive trials before starting operational deployment at sea.

Landing on HMS Ocean during Exercise Joint Warrior in the North Sea one of those involved on bringing the Wildcat onboard, Leading Airman Ryan Lawson, said "The Wildcat has a unique appearance compared to other aircraft that we are used to seeing."

"I personally feel privileged and honoured to say that I was one of the very first people to marshall the next generation of naval aircraft."

Designed to replace the Lynx, the Wildcat is a significantly more capable aircraft.

It carries a new strengthened and stealthy tail rotor system, armoured seats and a full 360 degree colour surveillance radar - all designed to help it perform in a variety of roles from anti-ship and anti-submarine protection, casualty evacuation and battlefield reconnaissance.

The Wildcat has a range of 420 nautical miles, can travel at speeds of up to 157mph and is armed with two new missile systems that have cutting-edge targeting, similar to that of the Apache gunship.