The Lynx Helicopter is a multi-purpose military helicopter designed and manufactured by Sikorsky (Westland Helicopters). It was originally developed for the British Army and Royal Navy, but has since been adopted by the armies of many other countries.

It is the main armed helicopter of the United States Army and is manufactured by Boeing (formerly Hughes Helicopter Company). It is an improved version based on the AH-64A model, with significantly improved performance and capabilities. Known for its all-weather combat capability and powerful firepower, it is one of the world's deadliest, most survivable, most deployed and best-maintained multi-mission helicopters. Equipped with advanced sensors, power and weapons systems, it can detect, classify, prioritize and strike enemy targets at long distances in adverse weather conditions. With its superior performance and firepower, it has become an indispensable part of the military of the United States and its allied countries.

In the mid-60s, various forms of VTOL were all the rage. In 1965, Lockheed responded to a U.S. Army request for proposals with the CL-945 concept, a design for a stowed-rotor helicopter. At low speeds and when hovering, it will operate as a helicopter; at higher speeds, an aircraft-type propulsion system will power it; at speeds much higher than those normally reached by a helicopter, the rotor will stop rotating and will fold back and retract for minimal drag. This is a great idea, but there is a small problem, which is that it is very complicated, heavy and expensive.