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Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced that it had delivered the first of seven upgraded AW101 Merlin HC Mk3 helicopters to the Royal Navy as part of Phase 1of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP). Under the MLSP design and manufacture contract, awarded to Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland in January 2014, 25 AW101 Merlin HC Mk3/3A aircraft will be converted to Merlin HC Mk4/4A configuration for the Royal Navy in two Phases as a replacement for the Sea King HC Mk4 in the amphibious support role. The seven Merlin HC Mk3 aircraft being upgraded under MLSP Phase 1 will provide an interim capability while the Mk4 aircraft are converted, and in turn will be converted to Mk4 standard.The first AW101 Merlin HC Mk3 aircraft arrived at AgustaWestland’sYeovil facility on 23rd October 2014 and underwent a number of modifications, including the introduction of a folding main rotor head, naval lashing rings, revised twin wheel main undercarriage for ship operations, fast roping capability and various communications upgrades including the introduction of an ‘I Band’ transponder.The upgraded Merlin HC Mk3 first flew on 8thApril 2015 and completed flight trials at the end of August. Following formal Release to Service in September the aircraft has now been delivered and will be followed by six further aircraft to provide an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in Spring 2016, when the final Sea King HC Mk4 aircraft will be withdrawn from service.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said “Delivery of this first upgraded Merlin marks an important milestone in our £330 million investment in the fleet, which will give our Royal Navy a total of 25 Merlin MK4 helicopters by 2020.These upgraded helicopters will improve the capabilities of the Merlins for their amphibious roles, including flying from our new aircraft carriers. This work on the fleet has sustained hundreds of jobs across British industry, including in the South West.”
Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, Director Helicopters at the MOD’s Defence, Equipment & Support organisation, said “The Merlin Mk3 has demonstrated already it ability to operate in urban and harsh deployed environments, and the interim-standard of the Life Sustainment Programme sees fast-time conversion of the aircraft to operate in its new Littoral Manoeuvre role.I am delighted that we are now firmly in the delivery phase of this programme, and are supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Marines with upgraded, modern Commando Helicopter aircraft.The Merlin Life Sustainment Programme represents a magnificent team effort led by AgustaWestland and the MOD, involving multiple industry suppliers, and delivering on budget and at this point ahead of schedule. I look forward with confidence at the whole programme delivering for the Commando Helicopter Force.”
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