Referencing an earlier post, the Lynx managed to get its speed record by cheating a bit - they made lots of modifications such as venting the exhaust gases backwards instead of upwards, and cutting loads and loads of weight from the thing. Production Lynx's don't have these modifications, so don't get anything like the same speeds. Still fast though.
The Merlin has plenty of defences from anti-aircraft weaponry, namely chaff and flare dispensers and missile lock warning systems. And agreed, it's damned fast - it has three engines where really it only needs two as it can fly fine on two (on a long-distance flight they just shut down one engine to save fuel). So, when all three are working, it goes like the clappers.
It's amazing what doing work experience at Westland Helicopters can teach you ^_^ There were a few Apache Longbows on the assembly line too, that they're making on contract for the British Army. Fugly beasts, but strangely appealing for their practicality.
I think my vote for most beautiful attack helicopter would probably go to the Ka-50 Hokum, it just looks good with its coaxial rotors.
