The Merlin team has procured 66 Merlin helicopters, 44 Merlin Mk1 for the Royal Navy and 22 Merlin Mk3 for the Royal Air Force. To date, 2 Merlin Mk1s have been lost in accidents. The Merlin Mk1 and Mk3 are now both in service and the IPT are responsible for in-service support of the platforms and a number of minor enhancement programmes. Additionally, to sustain the capability of the Merlin Mk1 the team is managing a technical upgrade, Merlin Mk1 Capability Sustainment Programme (MCSP). This project received Ministerial approval in December 2005 and is currently at the beginning of the Demonstration and Manufacture (D&M) Phase.
The Merlin team is also at the leading edge of future support initiatives, working to provide innovative solutions for both Mk1 and Mk3 aircraft. The Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) project received Ministerial approval to proceed in February 2006 and is now on contract and operational.
The Secretary for Defence announced on 30 March 2007 that 6 Danish Merlin EH101 aircraft would be transferred to assist with current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These aircraft will be designated as the Merlin Mk3a.
Projects IPT Supports
Merlin Mk1 (see the MERLIN HM MK1 Project Fact File)
Merlin MK1 Capability Sustainment Programme (MCSP) and Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS)
Merlin Mk3 and the Mk3a, (see the MERLIN HC MK3 Project Fact File)
Updated 16 July 07