LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The workhorse helicopters fleet of the British Army bid a final farewell Tuesday with a spectacular flight over London.

The fleet of Lynx helicopters retired after 40 years of service, with the army describing them as one of its most ubiquitous aviation assets.

Described as a primary battlefield utility helicopter, the Lynx entered service in 1978 and has been used to: destroy tanks, evacuate the wounded, gather intelligence, provide humanitarian support, rescue those in peril and wow crowds at airshows.

A British Army spokesperson said: "Age has finally caught up with the Lynx and although it'll be a tough act to follow, the Wildcat will replace the Lynx. With its superior avionics uprated engines and improved capability it too will prove a formidable force over any battlefield of the future."

To mark the Lynx's decommissioning from British Army service, the Army Air Corps flew five of the last remaining Lynx from the Royal Air Force base at Odiham in Hampshire, where they are based, on a commemorative tour around England. The flight culminated in an impressive "air procession" along the length of the River Thames over Central London.

The Lynx Mk9 helicopter holds the world record for the fastest helicopter, travelling at 412.93 km/h on Aug. 11, 1986. It has a range of 518 kilometers.