An RAF Merlin helicopter takes off with an underslung load in Afghanistan (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Andy Reddy, Crown copyrigh...
 |
| An RAF Merlin helicopter takes off with an underslung load in Afghanistan (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Andy Reddy, Crown copyright] |
After providing nearly 4 years of continuous front line support for British Forces in Afghan, AW 101 Merlin utility medium lift helicopter fleet has concluded operations in Afghanistan.
The Merlins flew more than 18,000 hours in the dust and heat of Helmand – moving more than 7,900 tonnes of kit and stores and transporting over 130,000 personnel during that time.
As the UK military hands over security responsibility to Afghan forces, the number of UK bases in Helmand province has fallen – from 137 in 2010 to 11 this year.
In theatre, the Merlin has primarily been used as a troop transporter, sharing that role with the workhorse Boeing Chinook helicopters since 2009.
The requirement for helicopters in theatre has fallen by around 40% in the past 3 years. In 2010, helicopter support hours totalled around 2,300 a month – a figure that has now fallen to approximately 1,350 hours a month.
The Merlin is able to carry a diverse range of bulky cargo, either internally or under-slung. Cargo can include artillery, Land Rovers or light-strike vehicles and over five tonnes of freight.
Britain deployed six Merlins in 2009 after criticism from commanders that a shortage of helicopters was forcing troops to undertake risky road missions where they were in danger from Taliban roadside bombs.The spacious cabin can also accommodate up to 24 fully equipped combat troops and, when required, will convert to carry 16 stretchers for casualty evacuation or during humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Merlins operated from Camp Bastion in Helmand province, which is nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, dusty, and over 40 degrees in the summer. Merlins performed incredibly well in tough Afghan weather.
The Merlins will undergo an extensive programme of maintenance and cleaning before being packed up.
Engineers in Camp Bastion are now hard at work preparing the Merlin helicopters for their journey back to the UK.
Each helicopter will have its rotor blades and tail removed and will undergo a full ‘bio-wash’ to remove dust and insects before being loaded onto a wheeled transport unit that will be driven on board a huge RAF C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft for the trip home.
After their return to RAF Benson the Merlins will join the rest of the Merlin Force in the ongoing transition of the aircraft to Joint Helicopter Command’s Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force.
The maritime force is trained and equipped for expeditionary joint operations and the Merlins will be prepared for their new role in supporting amphibious operations.
 |
| A Merlin helicopter is packed and secured into an RAF C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft [Picture: Sergeant Barry Pope, Crown copyright] |
Royal Air Force personnel are currently training the Royal Navy aircrew and engineers on the operation and maintenance of the technologically advanced helicopter, which is due to move to a maritime role by 2015.
It is an all weather, day and night, multi-role helicopter used in both tactical and strategic operational roles. The aircraft carries an impressive defensive-aids suite, which includes a Radar and Laser Warning Receiver, Missile Approach Warners and Directional Infrared Countermeasures equipment, all integrated with an automatic chaff and flare dispensing system.
Designed to operate away from base workshops and in difficult terrain, the Merlin has state-of-the-art support technology and incorporates aircraft health-and-usage diagnostics and a self-test capability for ease of maintenance. The Merlin is armed with two general purpose machine guns converted for the air role, although there is provision for additional weaponry.
The AW101 transport helicopter can fly at the rate of 10.2m/s. The maximum and cruise speed of the helicopter are 309km/h and 278km/h respectively. The maximum range and service ceiling are 927km and 4,575m, while the maximum endurance is four hours and 50 minutes. The helicopter weighs around 10,500kg and the maximum take-off weight is 15,600kg.
