First Deck Landing Made On New RFA Tanker

A Merlin Mk2 helicopter has made the first ever deck landing on RFA Tiderace, which is the newest of the tide class tanker.

The landing was carried out by a team of aviators from 814 Air Squadron, in Plymouth.

Speaking about the landing Commander Mike Currie, Head of the Maritime Merlin Helicopter Force said:

“It is fitting that an RNAS Culdrose Merlin made the first deck landing onto RFA Tiderace.

"Not only due to the Cornish Connection, but also because of the close working relationship we already have with others within the class.

"The Royal Navy is fast approaching a new era of Carrier Aviation, and the Maritime Merlin Force based at RNAS Culdrose is central to this.

"Wherever the new aircraft carriers go, our helicopters and personnel will go too and play an essential role.

"Our Merlin Mk2s will routinely form a large part of the Air Group, working with other surface units and F35s to protect the Carrier Task Group – above, on and below the waves.

"Therefore, the flight decks of both the aircraft carriers and the ships that support them, will become our second home.”

The new tanker will sustain the nations new aircraft carrier whilst they are deployed around the globe.

RFA Tiderace has been designed to be the heart of the carrier strike group, supporting HMS Queen Elizabeth or Prince of Wales a Type 45 destroyer, Type 23 or 26 frigate and an Astute-class submarine.