The Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopters are tasked with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as troop carrying, casualty evacuation and medium lift and search and rescue duties.

The Merlin helicopter programme

MK2

• The Royal Navy operates 30 Merlin Mk2 helicopters, based at RNAS Culdrose.
• Operates globally, deployed on Royal Navy Frigates, Destroyers and Support Craft and will in future fly from the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.
• Currently contributing to maritime security worldwide, including anti-piracy and drug smuggling activities. Previously deployed to Sierra Leone on HMS Argus as part of the UK support to the UN Ebola virus containment activity.
• The DE&S Merlin Project Team, based mainly in Yeovil with staff at MOD Abbey Wood, RNAS Culdrose and RNAS Yeovilton, provides in-service support to all the UK’s Merlins.

Mk3

• Operated by the Royal Navy.
• The DE&S team based is based mainly in Yeovil at RNAS Yeovilton.
• The Merlin Mk3 is currently in the process of being modified to the Mk4/Mk4a. See below.
• The Mk 3 is a medium support helicopter designed to operate in all-weathers day and night. It’s a multi-role helicopter used in both strategic and tactical operational roles, most recently to great effect in Iraq and Afghanistan Campaigns.
• Can transport more than 4 tonnes of freight ranging from bulky cargo carried internally or underslung including artillery, Land Rovers or light-strike vehicles.

MK4

• Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) will upgrade 25 Merlin Mk3/3a to a Mk4/4a specification. Modifications include new cockpit avionics, and limited ship optimisation, including a folding main rotor head and folding tail to allow their use from ships for littoral manoeuvre.
• First aircraft due to be delivered to Royal Navy early 2018.

Commando Merlin Mk4

Merlin Project Team

• Provides in-service support to merlin helicopter fleet and is responsible for procurement and sustainability of Merlin fleet to its out of service date.
• Amalgamated with Sea King Project Team in Apr 17 and, in total, both elements comprise 187 military and civilian posts
• Based mainly at Leonardo Helicopters site in Yeovil, with staff also at Abbey Wood, RNAS Culdrose and RNAS Yeovilton

“The DE&S team is proud to be supporting this versatile and highly-capable aircraft for the Royal Navy as it continues to defend the UK’s interests at home and overseas.”