Royal Navy's next generation helicopters ready for action
皇冠体育app Royal Navy鈥檚 anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the Merlin Mk2, has achieved Full Operating Capability (FOC), on time and under budget.
皇冠体育app significant milestone of the 拢807 million programme has now been met, following the delivery of 24 out of a total of 30 Merlin helicopters to the Royal Navy.
皇冠体育app upgraded Merlin Mk2s are the world鈥檚 most advanced maritime helicopter and have undergone improvements to their anti-submarine/surface warfare combat capabilities, including radar upgrade, as well as being fitted with advanced glass cockpits.
Each aircraft has improved aircrew consoles, touch-screen displays and are fitted with over 40km of new wiring. 皇冠体育app new technology gives them the enhanced ability to detect and track targets, and to share data with other aircraft and ships while airborne.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne:
皇冠体育app considerable investment the UK Government has made in these next-generation Merlin helicopters will ensure that we continue to deliver a flexible capability that meets the needs of our Armed Forces.
This programme forms part of this Government鈥檚 commitment to invest 拢11 billion in our helicopter fleet over the next 10 years as part of our 拢160 billion Equipment Plan to provide our people with the very best equipment and support.
Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, Director Helicopters at the MOD鈥檚 Defence Equipment & Support organization, said:
皇冠体育app Merlin Mk2 is an exceptional aircraft providing a variety of specialist warfare and general roles, and this programme has been delivered on time and under budget making it a great procurement success.
It is an important part of our overall helicopter force, and has proved itself countless times fulfilling a number of tasks including counter-piracy measures and providing humanitarian relief.
皇冠体育app upgrade programme was carried out by Lockheed Martin, based in Havant and AgustaWestland in Yeovil, and supported around 1,000 jobs.
皇冠体育app helicopters roles include carrying out counter-piracy and casualty evacuation duties. 皇冠体育appy have delivered vital support to the UK effort in Sierra Leone to tackle the spread of Ebola and supported the rescuing of migrants in the Mediterranean.
皇冠体育app Merlin Mk2 helicopters are expected to be deployed on the Royal Navy鈥檚 next generation Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, as well as frigates, destroyers and support ships world-wide to help keep Britain safe.
