The British Ministry of Defense (UK MOD) has received its latest AW101 Mk4/4a Merlin helicopter on behalf of the Royal Navy.
The British Ministry of Defense (UK MOD) has received through the Royal Navy the latest AW101 Mk4/4a Merlin helicopter under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme, which involved the upgrade of 25 AW101 Merlin Mk3/3a.
Included Modification
The aircraft modifications include new avionics and optimization for naval operations including tail and main rotor blades that can be folded to allow them to be used by naval units.
In view of the need to replace aging Sea King Mk 4 Commandos, the Merlins were transferred to the Royal Navy in 2014 and the airframes underwent an upgrade program to the new Mk 4 standard. In their new role with the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF ) of the Royal Navy, the Merlins will operate as amphibious units providing support to the activities of the Royal Marines.
Essential modifications to the main rotor and tail allow the aircraft to now operate from the new British ‘Queen Elizabeth’ class aircraft carriers and ‘Albion’ class landing ships.
Tactical Processor Was Essential
To ensure better operational capabilities, the integration of a new tactical processor was essential, which provides the crew with specific information for an effective assessment of operational scenarios. Taking advantage of the technologies developed for the AW159 Wildcat helicopter, the system is fully integrated into the cockpit and can be updated by the crew in real time.
The update also introduced a modern cockpit with five multifunction displays, which can present moving maps with overlays of tactical symbols, images provided by the electro-optical camera, or information on the engines and electrical systems of the aircraft. In addition, the helicopter has been equipped with a new system that allows for rapid deployment of Special Forces (SF) through the main cabin door, thus paving the way for a new role for the helicopter to support this type of operation. .
Royal Marines Colonel Mark Johnson, head of the CHF, said: “The Merlin Mark 4 – commonly referred to as the Commando Merlin – is revolutionizing the capabilities of the CHF. It has already proven to be a decisive element in enabling the Royal Navy to achieve strategic results: contributing to the security of the United Kingdom, enabling the carrier-based Strike Group to launch F-35s from the sea and transporting British Special Forces to coastal areas.
“Furthermore, it has already been successfully deployed worldwide in all operating environments. I look forward to leading the development and integration of this helicopter into the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in 2023 and beyond.”
Adam Clarke, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, commented: “This program has seen industry and government collaborate closely, working together to develop ideas and deploy all their capabilities for the success of the mission. The collective efforts of all parties involved will provide CHF with a state-of-the-art Merlin helicopter, with new avionics and minimal interventions for optimization for use in the naval environment, as well as state-of-the-art synthetic training devices to support missions”.
Ben Todd, Head of Leonardo’s UK Helicopter Programmes, said: “During the upgrade program at Leonardo, Yeovil, the new modified aircraft were handed over to the Commando Helicopter Force and put back into frontline service; and now they are doing their part in full support of Defense goals. They have been redeployed from the Arctic Circle, to Norway, to the Middle East, the Caribbean and around the world, embarked on Her Majesty’s naval units.”
Matt Grindon, Senior Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters UK: “It was great to see the last Merlin Mk 4 leave the production line, completing the programme. The Merlin Mk 4 represents a great step forward in terms of tactical capability, while the modifications implemented on the machines have been fundamental in allowing the CHF to fulfill its maritime role; a role that we see played out all over the world today with excellent results”.
The first flight of the AW101 Merlin i-Mk3 took place on 24 March 2015 and delivery of the first example took place seven months later. The Initial Operating Authorization was declared on 24 March 2016, one week ahead of schedule, upon delivery of the seventh and last helicopter. The full operational capability of the program is expected by the end of 2024. The first flight of the Merlin MK4 took place at Leonardo’s Yeovil facilities on 24 October 2016.
This article is originally published on helicopters.leonardo.com.