Royal Navy’s Merlin MK2 sub-hunting helicopters enter 4 months ahead schedule

The Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter have successfully entered in service with the Royal Navy four months early.
the Merlin Mk2 aircraft took part in Exercise Deep Blue, simulating anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol and casualty evacuation capabilities.
Merlin Mk2 helicopters will serve on board HMS Queen Elizabeth as well as operating from frigates, destroyers and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships. A further 15 aircraft will arrive at Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall over the next 18 months.
royalnavy

RAF's Merlin 10 Years on Ops

The RAF Merlin Force is celebrating its return from 10 years of continual operational deployments following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The RAF Merlins, which are based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire first deployed to Bosnia in 2003 and have since provided essential helicopter lift for land forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With the first Merlin helicopters being delivered in 2001, the Merlin Force spent the next two years training relentlessly to operate the technologically sophisticated aircraft. On 31 March 2003 they achieved Initial Operating Capability and a day later they deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation OCULUS: the start of the Merlin Force’s enduring commitment to operations that has lasted for over 10 years.
The Merlin deployed to Bosnia in support of the UK’s continuing commitment to Peace Support Operations in the Balkans Region as part of the Stabilisation Force. The SFOR logo was fitted to the side of the aircraft and, from its base at the Banja Luka Metal Factory, the Merlin immediately set to work providing aviation support in the form of moving troops and supplies by air.
raf

First of new Royal Navy's Merlin anti-submarine helicopters delivered to RNAS Culdrose

The first of the UK’s fleet of next generation anti-submarine maritime patrol Merlin helicopters have been handed to the Royal Navy at Culdrose.
The delivery of the five helicopters, which have been upgraded as part of a £800 million Lockheed Martin contract, to the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm marks a significant milestone.
Fitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and improved aircrew console and avionics, the Merlin Mk 2 will have advanced touch screen displays, and an improved ability to detect and track submarines and share data with other aircraft and ships while airborne.
falmouthpacket

First Five Merlin Mk 2 Helicopters Delivered to Royal Navy

AgustaWestland announced that the first five AW101 Merlin HM Mk 2 helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Navy. A ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose to celebrate the formation of the Navy's first Merlin HM Mk.2 equipped squadron.
agustawestland