Royal Navy Receives First Five Merlin Helicopters

The first series of next generation anti-submarine maritime patrol Merlin helicopters has been delivered to the Royal Navy.

The delivery of the five helicopters, which have been upgraded as part of a £750 million contract led by AgustaWestland and Lockheed Martin, to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm marks a significant milestone.

Fitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and improved aircrew console and avionics, the Merlin Mk 2 will have advanced touch screen displays, and an improved ability to detect and track targets and share data with other aircraft and ships while airborne. These improvements will also enable the helicopters to carry out counter piracy and casualty evacuation roles.

Thirty Merlin Mk1 helicopters are being converted to Mk2s AgustaWestland at its Yeovil facility, supported by prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Once handed over to the Royal Navy, the airframes will undergo a series of extensive trials. The first helicopters are expected to be ready to deploy on operations by summer 2014. The delivery of all 30 Merlin HM Mk2s will be completed in 2015.

Commander Ben Franklin RN, the Commanding Officer of The Merlin Helicopter Force said: “I am extremely proud to be leading the Merlin Force during this period. The delivery of the first five aircraft to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is a real milestone of this successful programme which will provide vital support to the Navy as it fulfils its role in protecting UK interests across the Globe.”

Bob Kramer, Vice President and Group Managing Director, Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems, said: “The Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme (MCSP) represents a magnificent team effort led by Lockheed Martin and AgustaWestland, supported by our suppliers, to provide the Royal Navy with unrivalled capability to carry out its anti-submarine patrol and policing requirement.”

Ray Edwards, Managing Director, AgustaWestland, said: “The success of this complex programme has been achieved by strong collaboration between industry, the Ministry of Defence and the end user. We are delighted this programme is on budget and on schedule to deliver a world class front line capability for the Royal Navy.”