The 249.1mph record set by G-LYNX would have impossible without the use of BERP rotor blades.
BERP Blades
I don't know where the author got Lynx III battlefield helicopter from, but the rest is accurate.
When they were fitted to British Army Lynx they were called Composite Main Rotor Blades (CMRB), and gave a smoother ride at high speeds, but made it
more difficult and tiring for pilots to carry out sustained hovers.
They were more difficult to track than standard blades initially, but when you got close the 'paddles' seemed to suck each other into alignment.
Retreating blade stall is the limiting factor on a conventional helicopters forward speed. CMRB allow the advancing blade tip to go supersonic, and
reduce compressability effects.
9 years working on Lynx, got the scars to prove it!
[edit on 10-1-2010 by Weescotty]