An upgrade to the Sea King AEW.2 / 2A with an improved air and surface radar in a kevlar lined, flexible dustbin which could pivot from horizontal (for landing) to vertical (for operations), was originally to be designated the AEW.7. With the capability of the radar and the requirements of the fleet to include airborne control in its mission, the Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) mk.7 was named.
After valuable and distinguished service as the Eyes of the Fleet, the final flight from RNAS Culdrose to Fleetlands was on 26 Sep 2018, by XV714, ZA128 and ZE420. This has introduced a further capability gap to the UK Armed Forces, as the replacement system, Crowsnest Merlin, will not be available to protect UK capital ships.
After valuable and distinguished service as the Eyes of the Fleet, the final flight from RNAS Culdrose to Fleetlands was on 26 Sep 2018, by XV714, ZA128 and ZE420. This has introduced a further capability gap to the UK Armed Forces, as the replacement system, Crowsnest Merlin, will not be available to protect UK capital ships.
News |
Sea King Flypast Ends 49 Years of Service
25-Sep-18 - Royal Navy retires their last Sea King, the Mk7 ASAC, with a 849 Squadron 3-hour flypast. Will be replaced by the Merlin Crowsnest next year #SeaKingRoyal Navy Announced Crowsnest Contract
16-Jan-17 - UK Minister for Defence announced £269M deal for new helicopter-borne Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and control surveillance system for the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. Crowsnest will be provided by Lockheed Martin and Thales #CrowsnestThales Radar for the Royal Navy Merlin AEW Variant
22-May-15 - Lockheed Martin UK, as the prime contractor for Crowsnest, have selected Thales as the chosen bidder to provide the radar and mission system for the Merlin Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variantRoyal Navy Sea Kings 5 years in Afghan skies
04-Jun-14 - UK Forces have been deployed in Afghanistan since 2002 under Operation Herrick pushing back the Taliban and preventing them from using the country as a base for terrorismMore News ... | |
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Units |
Years | Units | Base |
---|---|---|
2015/18 | Palembang Flight | RNAS Culdrose |
2014/18 | Normandy Flight | RNAS Culdrose |
2014/18 | Okinawa Flight | RNAS Culdrose |
2006/15 | 857 NAS | RNAS Culdrose Camp Bastion RNAS Culdrose Camp Bastion RNAS Culdrose |
2006/14 | 854 NAS | RNAS Culdrose RAF Northolt Camp Bastion RNAS Culdrose |
2002/18 | 849 NAS | RNAS Culdrose |