<p><br /> Beefed-up helicopters are taking to the skies in Afghanistan as part of efforts to give British troops more firepower on the frontline.<br /> </p><p><br /> Military chiefs welcomed the arrival of the Lynx Mk9As, which boast more powerful engines and the ability to operate all year round in the extreme weather over Helmand Province.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Lynx Mk9A is fitted with a more advanced communication system, improved surveillance equipment and the M3M machine gun, capable of firing more than 850 rounds a minute, the Ministry of Defence said.<br /> </p><p><br /> Rotor blades have been fitted and familiarisation flights took place before operational sorties began in earnest earlier this month.<br /> </p><p><br /> Major Max Lytle, officer commanding 672 Squadron, said: "We are now in Afghanistan, playing an important role in protecting our ground forces and carrying out surveillance, boosting performance in Afghanistan's challenging conditions."<br /> </p><p><br /> The MoD said there will eventually by 22 Lynx aircraft upgraded to the Mk9A standard.<br /> </p>
