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ROYAL NAVY Merlin Helicopter Flying Over South Coast of England
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ROYAL NAVY Merlin Helicopter Flying Over South Coast of England
A Royal Navy Merin helicopter flys over the south coast of England.
Merlin Mk1 the worlds most potent submarine hunting helicopter. The Merlin Mk1 have been in service with the Fleet Air Arm since the late 1990s and, after thorough testing and evaluation, the helicopters have been on the front line since 2000.
Their job is to find and if necessary destroy enemy submarines using our state-of-the-art sonar buoys which we drop into the ocean and Sting Ray torpedoes. Beyond searching for submarines, tthey carry out traditional maritime helicopter duties: anti-piracy/drug-running patrols, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, and passenger and load transfers.
There are more than 40 Merlins in service with the Fleet Air Arm in training and front-line squadrons. Most of these are in the middle of a £ 750m upgrade to turn the Merlin Mk1 into the Merlin Mk2 which has more powerful computer systems and is easier for aircrew to operate
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Media ID 15227641
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Aircraft Equipment Helicopter Hm Mk1 Merlin Royal Navy
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter soars gracefully over the picturesque south coast of England, its powerful presence a testament to its role as the world's most potent submarine hunting aircraft. Since their induction into service in the late 1990s, these remarkable machines have been at the forefront of naval operations, safeguarding our waters with unwavering dedication. Equipped with cutting-edge sonar buoys and Sting Ray torpedoes, these Merlins are tasked with locating and neutralizing enemy submarines lurking beneath the ocean's surface. However, their responsibilities extend far beyond this crucial mission. They tirelessly conduct anti-piracy and drug-running patrols, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, search and rescue operations, as well as passenger and load transfers. With over 40 Merlins currently serving in training and front-line squadrons within the Fleet Air Arm, their significance cannot be overstated. In fact, they are undergoing an extensive £750 million upgrade to transform from Merlin Mk1 to Merlin Mk2 models. This upgrade includes more advanced computer systems that enhance operational efficiency for aircrew members. As this awe-inspiring photograph captures a moment frozen in time, it serves as a reminder of the Royal Navy's commitment to protecting our shores. The sight of this majestic Merlin soaring above England's coastline evokes both admiration for its capabilities and gratitude for those who serve aboard it – ensuring our safety amidst ever-evolving threats on land or sea.
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