Royal Marines' first Merlin Mk4 flies
The first Merlin Mk 4 helicopter for the British Royal Marines Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) has completed its first flight in Yeovil, Somerset, the Royal Navy announced on 28 October.
The Merlin Mk 4 will replace the Royal Marines’ Mk 3 helicopter from late 2017. It is being upgraded by Leonardo.
The new variant is better suited to commando and maritime operations than the MK 3, with a folding main rotor head and tail to enable it to operate from Royal Navy carriers and assault ships at sea. The aircraft will also have improved avionics.
The first Mk 4 is expected to be ready for front-line operations by late 2017, with the entire fleet of 25 set to be converted by the end of 2020.
At present the two troop-carrying squadrons of CHF, based at RNAS Yeovilton – 845 and 846 NAS – operate the Mk3 and Mk3i. The Mk3i has undergone enhancements and improvements which plug the gap between Mk3 and Mk4.
Col Lenny Brown, CHF, said: ‘What a fantastic achievement for Leonardo, the Merlin project team and all those involved at CHF.
‘This is truly a leap forward in CHF’s capability to support 3 Commando Brigade at the speed and range required on the modern battlefield, whether operating embarked in Royal Navy warships or on land.’
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
