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The
EH101 Merlin Mk 3 is the newest RAF helicopter, the RAF having ordered 22
x EH101 (Merlin) support helicopters for £755m in March 1995.
Merlin is a direct replacement for the Westland Wessex, and it
operates alongside the Puma and Chinook in the medium-lift role.
Its
ability to carry troops, artillery pieces, light vehicles and bulk
loads, means that the aircraft is ideal for use with the UK Army's 16
Air Assault Brigade.
Deliveries took place between 2000-2002.The aircraft can carry a load
of 24-28 troops with support weapons. The maximum payload is 4,000 kg
and Merlin has a maximum range of 1,000km, which can be extended by
external tanks or by air-to-air refuelling.
The Merlin Mk 3 has sophisticated defensive aids, and the aircraft is
designed to operate in extreme conditions with corrosion-proofing for
maritime operations. All weather, day/night precision delivery is
possible because of GPS navigation, a forward-looking infra-red sensor
and night vision goggle compatibility. In the longer term, the
aircraft could be fitted with a nose turret fitted mounting a .50
calibre machine gun.
RAF Merlin Mk3 are due to be phased out of service in 2030.
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EH101 MERLIN Mk 3 Specifications
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22 Available |
| Crew
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2 |
| Capacity
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Up to 35
combat-equipped troops
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Or 16
stretchers and a medical team
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Or 4
tonnes of cargo (2.5 tonnes as an underslung load)
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| Length
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22.81m
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| Rotor
Diameter
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18.59m
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| Max
Speed |
309kph/192mph |
| Engines
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3 x Rolls
Royce/Turbomeca RTM 322 turboshafts of 2,312 shp each |
In
service with:
| 28 Squadron |
22 x Merlin Mk3 |
RAF Benson |
The
above aircraft will be under the control of the Joint Helicopter Command
(JHC). The total number of operational hours (monthly average
per aircraft) flown by RAF Merlins during the period July to December
2005 was as follows:
| . |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
Total |
| Merlin |
59.38 |
54.30 |
67.16 |
115.12 |
68.51 |
38.25 |
402.72 |
