Upgrades enabling Royal Navy Commando Merlin helicopters to embark in and operate from vessels anywhere in the world in support of the 3 Commando Brigade have achieved full operating capability (FOC), according to aerospace and defense company Leonardo.
As disclosed, the original upgrades to the aircraft include a new folding main rotor head and folding tail which will allow two of the aircraft to fit on just one of the carriers’ aircraft lifts, and an improved defensive aid suite with a system that warns against and locates hostile laser-guided weapons.
The synthetic trainer includes two new pilot simulators, a procedures trainer, and a rear crew training device, employing augmented reality systems. For the first time, this is co-located at RNAS Yeovilton with CHF providing a step change in training capability for new aircrew and front-line mission training.
Merlin is now cleared to operate from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and will operate from the Type 45 destroyer.
“The key difference between the Mk3/Mk3a and the new variant is the fact that the Mk4/Mk4a has been fully ‘ship optimised’ to allow it to in embark and more efficiently operate from Royal Navy vessels,” Neil Mathieson , RN Merlin DT Team Leader, said.
“This means that the Mk4/Mk4a aircraft are globally deployable for all maritime operations. There have been significant changes to enable this, including a new folding main rotor head and folding tail. In addition, a brand-new suite of avionics has been integrated and obsolescence removed, aligning the cockpit to the Mk2 and extending the life of the platform to 2030.”
In addition to the operational benefits, the aircraft now share a higher commonality across all marks of Merlin with an upgraded cockpit and avionics suite, Leonardo added.
The Merlin Life Sustainment Program (MLSP), overseen by the Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD), has now fully transitioned the AW101 MK3/Mk3a Commando Merlin helicopters to a ship-optimized in-service capability platform designated Mk4/Mk4a Commando Merlin.
In total, 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlins were upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard, to ensure the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) has the capability to provide air maneuver support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and other UK forces.
The work was overseen by DE&S working closely with industry partner Leonardo and the Royal Navy.
The Commando Helicopter Force, the wings of the UK Commando Force, also supports the Carrier Strike Group, carries out search and rescue operations, and takes part in counter-narcotics and anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and hurricane relief support.
Following the delivery of the final aircraft conversion in 2022, DE&S has overseen retrofit after delivery activity, including integrated Mission Planning System installation and integration of type-leading Synthetic Training Equipment.
The declaration of FOC confirms the achievement of the Royal Navy’s requirement and the achievement of system acceptance, according to Leonardo.
Furthermore, the upgrade will enable Merlin to be ‘a more effective component’ in the future conduct of littoral maneuver operations, allowing the CHF to generate, sustain, and field a more modern aviation capability.
MLSP was delivered through a single-source contract with Leonardo worth £399 million.
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