Royal Navy Receives First Upgraded AW101 Merlin Helicopter

Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland has delivered the first of seven upgraded AW101 Merlin HC Mk3 helicopters to the Royal Navy as part of Phase 1 of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP).

Twenty five AW101 Merlin HC Mk3/3A aircraft will be converted to Merlin HC Mk4/4A configuration for the Royal Navy in two phases as a replacement for the Sea King HC Mk4 in the amphibious support role, according to design and manufacture contract awarded in January 2014.

The seven Merlin HC Mk3 aircraft being upgraded under MLSP Phase 1 will provide an interim capability while the Mk4 aircraft are converted, and in turn will be converted to Mk4 standard, the company announced today.

The first AW101 Merlin HC Mk3 aircraft arrived at AgustaWestland’sYeovil facility on 23^rd October 2014 and underwent a number of modifications, including the introduction of a folding main rotor head, naval lashing rings, revised twin wheel main undercarriage for ship operations, fast roping capability and various communications upgrades including the introduction of an ‘I Band’ transponder.

The upgraded Merlin HC Mk3 first flew on 8^thApril 2015 and completed flight trials at the end of August. Following formal Release to Service in September the aircraft has now been delivered and will be followed by six further aircraft to provide an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in Spring 2016, when the final Sea King HC Mk4 aircraft will be withdrawn from service.

“Delivery of this first upgraded Merlin marks a milestone in our £330 million investment in the fleet, which will give our Royal Navy a total of 25 Merlin MK4 helicopters by 2020.” Defence Minister Philip Dunne said.

“These upgraded helicopters will improve the capabilities of the Merlins for their amphibious roles, including flying from our new aircraft carriers.” Dunne added.

“The Merlin Mk3 has demonstrated its ability to operate in urban and harsh deployed environments, and the interim-standard of the Life Sustainment Program sees fast-time conversion of the aircraft to operate in its new Littoral Manoeuvre role,” said Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, Director Helicopters at the MOD’s Defence, Equipment & Support organisation.