Defence Online

30th Merlin Mk2 helicopter delivered to MOD

Air August 4, 2016

Lockheed Martin UK recently joined representatives from the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence for a ceremony to mark the handover of the final Mk2 helicopter airframe at Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil.

For the last ten years, employees from both Lockheed Martin and Leonardo have been involved in the design, development and manufacture of the Merlin Mk2 as part of the Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme (MCSP). Under the £750M contract, 30 Mk1 helicopters were upgraded to enhance and extend their life with the Royal Navy.

The first helicopter was handed over in November 2012 and the recent handover marks a significant milestone in the programme, which has seen all the airframes delivered on time and on budget. More than 1,000 jobs have been sustained throughout MCSP in Havant, Yeovil and Culdrose, where the helicopters are based.

The Merlin Mk2s have new radars, sonar systems and infra-red cameras as well as large flat-panel displays, giving pilots greater situational awareness. Since being in operation with the Royal Navy, the Mk2s have been pivotal in the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean and on operations in Sierra Leone.

Bob Kramer, Vice President of Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems, said: “Merlin continues to be a world-beating maritime helicopter that is an asset critical to UK defence and that will be an integral part of the Future Aircraft Carrier capability. The success of this programme has been a result of excellent teamwork among industry and our government partners that has enabled us to consistently deliver on cost and schedule.”

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Helicopters Lockheed Martin Merlin MOD Royal Navy UK

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.