UK Marines’ Modernized Mk4 Merlin Helicopter Made First Flight

First of Uk Royal Marines’ modernized Mk4 Merlin helicopters recently visited its future home at Yeovilton air base for refuelling.

The second-generation battlefield Merlin, factory model MLSP 1, tail number ZJ122, made the debut as the air station prepared for its annual air day Saturday, The Royal Navy announced.

The helicopter was originally a khaki green Merlin Mk3 modified by Leonardo (previously Agusta-Westland) in Yeovil for operations at sea.

Modifications include a folding tail, folding rotor head, floatation devices, fast-roping points, enhanced radio and comms equipment and an improved undercarriage (plus lashing points), the statement added Wednesday.

The Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) acquired two squadrons of battlefield Merlins from the RAF to replace their veteran Sea Kings.

The advanced Merlin helicopters are equipped with a ramp to load/offload 16 commandos in full battle rig. The aircraft were almost exclusively designed for operating over land.

Further the helicopters are capable to fold the tail section – it’s been completely rebuilt for the Mk4 – and the rotor heads which assist flying from Royal Navy carriers in particular.

The first of 25 Mk4s will be handed over to CHF in January, with transition to the new machine completed by the end of 2020.