Prime mover: Everything you need to know about the Commandos' Merlin Mk4
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter is one of the most adaptable aircraft in the Commando Helicopter Force.
It is capable of operating in several roles and in various environments.
BFBS Forces News spoke to 846 Naval Air Squadron's Lieutenant Commander Andrew White about the helicopter and its capabilities.
Lt Cdr White first said that the helicopter has flotation bags on its sides in case the aircraft has to go into water.
"So, we got these all around the aircraft. If we were to ditch into the sea or into any water, these will inflate or keep the aircraft on the surface for us to make our escape as required," he said.
Further down the aircraft, there is a defensive aid suite that is used for defence against hostile threats, such as surface-to-air missile systems.
The helicopter also has a cargo door for loading troops and supplies for any operations or exercises, and a hook bay, which is used for attaching loads underneath the aircraft.
Inside the helicopter, it has fitted GMPG mounts, a fast-roping beam, which is used for quickly getting troops out when there is not a suitable area to land and a rescue hoist.
Lt Cdr White also described the importance of the hinge on the tail of the helicopter.
"The whole tail section will fold around as well," he explained. "The main rotor blades will all fold back, so the aircraft will fit down into a footprint much smaller, which is great for being at sea."
The aircraft has three engines and an auxiliary power unit, as well as five main rotor blades and a tail rotor.
In terms of weaponry, this aircraft has been fitted with three General Purpose Machine Guns.
One Gimpy is placed on the ramp, another is by the cargo door, and the last one is located by the port door.
At the head of the aircraft, there is a camera, as well as a forward-looking infrared camera, and wire cutters, which are required for low-flying operations.
It can carry 24 personnel, primarily Royal Marines and Army soldiers, who can all exit the aircraft from a ramp.
Lt Cdr White also told BFBS Forces News about the inner workings of the modern cockpit.
"You've got very modern avionics suites in the Mk4, with our five main screens across the front and two touchscreen units, one for each pilot down here," he said.
"We've got an awful lot of buttons and switches in the aircraft, all separated out into their separate functions."
The Commando Merlin is a utility helicopter used for moving troops and equipment from ship to shore and around the battlefield.
The aircraft can be utilised to insert troops via fast-roping equipment, allowing them to be rapidly deployed wherever they need to go.
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