Delivery of the First AW101 Commando Merlin Mk4 Helicopter: A Game-Changer for the UK’s Commando Helicopter Force

In a significant advancement for the UK’s military capabilities, Guto Bebb MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, unveiled the first AW101 Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter during a momentous ceremony at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. This marks a pivotal achievement in Leonardo’s Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), aimed at transforming 25 former Royal Air Force Merlin helicopters into fully marinised amphibious support helicopters.

Geoff Munday, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, expressed pride at the ceremony, stating, “The delivery of the first Commando Merlin embodies over four years of dedicated design, development, and manufacturing work by Leonardo in the UK. This achievement introduces the world’s most advanced amphibious support helicopter, capable of flying faster, further, and carrying a greater load than the retired Commando Sea King, thus enhancing the capabilities of the Commando Helicopter Force significantly.”

Features of the Commando Merlin Mk4/4A

The Commando Merlin Mk4/4A helicopters are expertly optimized for ship operations. They feature automatic main rotor blade and tail folding, an upgraded undercarriage, and enhanced safety protocols within the cabin. Equipped with the state-of-the-art cockpit developed by Leonardo for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 aircraft, the UK’s Merlin fleet now boasts a unified cockpit interface. This includes five integrated display units measuring 10” x 8”, two touch-screen controls for aircraft systems and mission equipment, alongside two cursor control devices for managing tactical displays.

Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems

Leonardo’s experts in electronic warfare have also modernized the self-protection system on the new Commando Merlin aircraft for optimal security. The previous Defensive Aids System (DAS) has been integrated with a cutting-edge DAS Controller, enabling the system to swiftly detect hostile threats and implement suitable countermeasures. By automating and merging DAS functionalities with the new cockpit display, pilot workload is significantly lessened. Leonardo already supplies defensive aid systems across the UK Armed Forces’ helicopter fleet, offering Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) to adjust protective measures in real-time based on evolving battlefield conditions.

Integrated Operational Support for the Commando Merlin

The Commando Merlin aircraft will receive comprehensive support through the existing Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) contract, wherein Leonardo has served as the prime contractor since its launch in 2006. This collaboration between Leonardo and the Ministry of Defence promises improved aircraft availability and delivers substantial cost savings for UK taxpayers.

Additionally, Leonardo has been tasked with providing a suite of Commando Merlin synthetic training devices, which includes two Flight Training Devices (FTDs), a Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT), and a Rear Crew Trainer (RCT). These advanced training systems are scheduled for delivery in 2018 and 2019 and will be installed at the dedicated training facility at RNAS Yeovilton. The training devices are designed to facilitate comprehensive multi-aircraft and crew training, augmented by immersive augmented reality technologies to enhance the experience for rear crew members.