19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Command Merlins of the Royal Navy were built by manufacturer Leonardo to the Mk4/4a standard optimized for use on ships and have now achieved full operational capability (FOC). In the British Navy, the helicopters support the 3rd Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines. There they can operate from ships. The upgrade took place as part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Program (MLSP), which is overseen by Defence Equipment & Support, the procurement department of the British Ministry of Defence.
This will ensure that the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) is able to provide aerial maneuver support to the Royal Marines 3rd Commando Brigade and other UK forces anywhere in the world. The CHF also supports the Carrier Strike Group, carries out search and rescue missions and participates in counter-narcotics and counter-piracy operations, maritime security and hurricane support as required.
As part of the upgrade, a new mission planning system and type-leading synthetic training equipment were integrated. With the FOC declaration, DE&S confirmed that Royal Navy requirements have been met and system acceptance achieved. Key upgrades to the helicopter include a new folding main rotor head and a folding empennage, allowing two aircraft to fit on just one of the aircraft carrier lifts. In addition, the modernized Merlins now feature improved defensive equipment with a system that warns of and locates enemy laser-guided weapons. The MLSP was completed as part of a single order to Leonardo worth 480 million euros.
“The main difference between the Mk3/Mk3a and the new variant is the fact that the Mk4/Mk4a has been fully ‘ship-optimized‛ so that it can operate more efficiently from Royal Navy ships,” as Captain Neil Mathieson RN Merlin DT Team Leader at DE&S explains. “This means that the Mk4/Mk4a aircraft can be used for all maritime operations worldwide. Significant changes have been made to enable this, including a new folding main rotor head and folding tail.”
The Merlins are now approved for use on Royal Navy aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates, Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and the Type 45 destroyer.
In addition to the operational benefits, another plus point is the higher degree of commonality between all Merlin models that has been achieved with this upgrade. This leads to efficiency gains in supply chains, maintenance, cross-platform knowledge and training, which in turn enables increased interoperability in use.
Clive Scott, SVP UK Business at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “The Mk4/4a variant sets the standard for maritime operations and is not only one of the UK Armed Forces’ most important helicopters, but has also been purchased by allies such as Japan, Italy and Poland.”
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