Prince Harry 'likely to return to Afghanistan as Lynx helicopter pilot'

London, March 18 : Prince Harry could soon be back on the front line against the Taliban - as a pilot flying the new Lynx attack helicopter.

The Prince, who is training with the Army Air Corps, has put his name down to fly the new heavily armed 30-million-pound aircraft, according to sources.

It means that the 23-year-old Army officer could soon be back in combat in Afghanistan.

A military source said he was likely to be chosen. They claimed that the prince is in the top ten per cent of students on his course and told The Sun that he is ''shaping up to be a superb helicopter pilot''.

The Lynx 9A has a two-man crew, with both trained as pilots in case one is killed or disabled in action.

"Flying the new 9A is his wish and if it is approved the only duty he can perform is flying on combat in Afghanistan," the Telegraph quoted the source as saying.

Prince Harry has already spent ten weeks fighting on the ground in Afghanistan and has made no secret of his desire to return.

If he were to return next year as a helicopter pilot, he would need to undergo further intensive training.

An official announcement is expected later this week on his future.

"Lt Harry Wales could fly Apache or Lynx helicopters if he successfully completes the Army Pilots Course. Which aircraft he flies will depend on his progress, manning requirements and his preferences," an Army spokesman said.