25 ex RAF Merlin HC.3 and HC.3A airframes transferred to the Royal Navy to provide the Royal Marine Commando lift, during the retirement of the Sea King HC.4/HC.6 fleet. The HC.3/HC.3A transfer from the RAF began on 30 Sep 2014 and completed on 9 Jul 2015. 846 Squadron first unit to operate from Sep 2014. 845 Squadron will be the second FAA unit to stand up.
The HC.3 on transfer were not optimised for maritime operations and temporary marinisation work was undertaken to provide minimal capability (eg folding main rotors) under the Interim HC.3 (iHC.3) programme - in advance of the full conversion to HC.4 standard across the fleet.
The HC.3 on transfer were not optimised for maritime operations and temporary marinisation work was undertaken to provide minimal capability (eg folding main rotors) under the Interim HC.3 (iHC.3) programme - in advance of the full conversion to HC.4 standard across the fleet.
In 2022 Leonardo completed update of 25 helicopters under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP)
The Merlin HC4 on display at Yeovilton Air Day 2017 was the second production Mk4 the first appeared before Air Day on a visit but it was the second aircraft complete with nose mounted FlIR Ball that was there on the Saturday
Units
| 2018- | 845 Squadron845 NAS |
| 2017- | 846 Squadron846 NAS |
Platforms
| CVS Queen Elizabeth class |
News
- Jan 29, 2019 · Royal Navy’ Merlins Reaches 200,000 Flight Hours
- Oct 4, 2018 · Merlin Commando First Time on Type 23 Frigate
- Aug 20, 2018 · Merlin Mk4 Deck Quals on HMS Queen Elizabeth
- May 24, 2018 · First Commando Merlin Mk4 Delivered to Royal Navy
- Jul 12, 2017 · Merlin HC4 Makes Yeovilton Debut
- Nov 21, 2016 · AW101 Merlin Mk4 Makes Maiden Flight
- Oct 28, 2016 · Royal Marines Merlin Mk4 First Flight
- Oct 19, 2015 · First Upgraded Merlin HC.3 to Royal Navy
- Jun 2, 2015 · New Merlin HC.4 Simulators at Yeovilton
- Mar 27, 2015 · 846 Naval Air Squadron Returns to Yeovilton
- Dec 8, 2014 · General Dynamics UK awarded Merlin HC.4 contract
- Oct 1, 2014 · Royal Air Force Hand Over Merlin To Royal Navy
- Jul 14, 2014 · General Dynamics systems for Merlin Mk4
- Feb 7, 2014 · QinetiQ to provide evaluation for Merlin MLSP
- Jul 3, 2012 · UK Marines learn about AW101 at RAF Benson