AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3

RAF variant built at Yeovil, Somerset, UK. The British MoD placed an initial order for 22 Merlin HC.3 airframes in Mar 1995.

All of the Merlin HC3's are operated by 28 Sqn based at RAF Benson.  Their first operational tour was in Bosnia which started in April 2003, being based at Banja Luka with two aircraft.  In March 2005 the Merlins were deployed to Iraq for the first time.  The aircraft self deployed to theatre over a period of four days.  The detachment is known as 1419 Flight and is based at Basra Air Station.

In order to lift and support the Royal Marines, the Merlin HC3 and HC3A due to transfer to the Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force will need to be marinised (folding tails, folding main rotors and better salt water-proofing of key components). This work will be undertaken as part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) which will also include cockpit systems upgrades - similar to the HM.2. 25 Merlin HC.3 and HC3A are due for the upgrade to HC.4 /4A standard. As part of the introduction of Merlin to service, an HC.3 first flew with an all Royal Navy crew in Sep 2012.