Any time, anywhere: Commando Merlins now carrier-capable for global ops
Royal Navy Commando Merlin helicopters have been upgraded so they can operate anywhere in the world.
Nineteen Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlins were modified to Mk4/4a standard, making them ship-optimised for global maritime deployment.
This means they are now cleared to operate from the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates, Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and Type 45 destroyers.
One of the main upgrades to the aircraft is a new folding main rotor head and folding tail, which allows two of the aircraft to fit on just one of the carriers' aircraft lifts.
The "new" Mk4s also have an improved defensive aid suite with a system that warns against and locates hostile laser-guided weapons.
The work was overseen by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) working closely with helicopter manufacturer Leonardo and the Royal Navy.
Littoral Strike
The upgrade means the Merlins can now better support 3 Commando Brigade in a capability called littoral strike.
This is the term applied to amphibious operations – using both air and surface craft – that are launched from a ship to an objective.
An example would be a Commando Merlin deployed from the deck of a ship flying to complete its operation and then returning to the ship.
The Commando Helicopter 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 if required.
In addition to the operational benefits, the aircraft now share a higher commonality across all marks of Merlin.
They have an upgraded cockpit and avionics that provide efficiencies within supply chains, effective maintenance cross-platform knowledge and training while boosting interoperability.
Captain Neil Mathieson, a team leader at DE&S, said the improvements would extend the life of the platform to 2030.
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