THIS is a Lynx – but not as you know it.

No, this is the Wildcat – the new name for the next-generation version of the helicopter which has served the RN with honour for three decades.

Until now, the latest variant of the aircraft has been known as ‘Future Lynx’ (or just ‘Flynx’… which we quite liked).

But at a ceremony at Agusta Westland, where the helicopter is being built, the £16m aircraft was formally renamed Lynx Wildcat (rather than just plain Wildcat to avoid confusion with the legendary WW2 naval fighter).

The MOD ordered 70 of the new helicopters from the Yeovil-based aircraft firm back in 2006 for £1bn. The order book has since been chopped to 62 – 34 Wildcats for the Army Air Corps, 28 for the RN.

There will be little difference between the Army and Fleet Air Arm versions of the helicopter – both will have the same sensors, airframes and be able to carry the same weapons, so that they can quickly switch roles if necessary.

The Wildcat is slightly slower than its predecessor (a top speed of 184mph rather than 200mph), but its more powerful engines means it can carry a heavier load and it has one third as much range.

The first test flight is lined up for this November with the first aircraft handed over to the MOD for evaluation in 2011.

Wildcat is due to enter service with the Army in 2014; the naval variant will be operational the following year.