First Five Merlin Mk 2 Helicopters Delivered to Royal Navy

Crown copyright The first of the UK's fleet of next-generation anti-submarine maritime patrol AgustaWestland Merlin Mk2 helicopt...

Crown copyright

The first of the UK's fleet of next-generation anti-submarine maritime patrol AgustaWestland Merlin Mk2 helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Navy.

The 5 helicopters have been handed over to the Fleet Air Arm following an upgrade as part of a £750 million contract with Lockheed Martin.

Lieutenant Commander Simon Laurence uses the new touch-screen displays on the flight deck of a new Merlin Mk2 [Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown copyright]

Thirty Merlin Mk1helicopters are being converted to Mk2s by AgustaWestland at its Yeovil facility, supported by prime contractor Lockheed Martin. The handed over to the Royal Navy, the airframes will undergo a series of extensive trials. The first helicopters are expected to be ready to deploy on operations by the summer of 2014.
Fitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and improved aircrew mission console and avionics, the Merlin HM Mk 2 has advanced touch screen displays, and an improved ability to detect and track targets and share data with other aircraft and ships while airborne. These and equipment improvements will also enable the helicopters to carry out counter piracy and casualty evacuation roles.
Following the completion of trials the first helicopters are expected to be ready to deploy on operations by summer 2014. Delivery of all 30 Merlin HM Mk2s will be completed in 2015.