How many Merlin helicopters does the RAF have?
How many Merlin helicopters does the RAF have?
Fleet Air Arm
| Type | Origin | Total |
|---|---|---|
| AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat HMA2 | UK | 28 |
| AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2 | UK | 44 |
| AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin Mk3i/4 | UK | 28 |
| British Aerospace Hawk T1 | UK | 14 |
Where are Merlin helicopters based?
Training on the helicopter takes place at 824 Naval Air Squadron and the Merlin Training Facility – the ‘Academy’ of Merlin. The main base for both training and Front-line aircraft is at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.
How many F 35s does the UK have?
Future UK plans for the F-35 The UK has plans to eventually have 138 F-35Bs, with 48 of those by 2025. The 138 figure was clarified last year by Sir Stephen Lovegrove as the “upper limit” of how many would be bought. The UK currently owns 24 of the aircraft with 21 based domestically and three stationed in the US.
How much can a Merlin lift?
Maximum internal payload for the Merlin is 5,433kg. The helicopter can carry up to 4536kg as an underslung load. Max range is 927km. External tanks bump the max range up to 1,300km.
What kind of helicopter is the AgustaWestland AW101?
Multi-role helicopter family by AgustaWestland. The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter used in both military and civil applications. First flown in 1987, it was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter.
When did Westland become AgustaWestland?
In 2000, Westland Helicopters and Agusta merged to form AgustaWestland, leading to the type’s current designation.
When was the first Merlin helicopter made?
First flown in 1987, it was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft.
What kind of weather does the AW101 fly in?
The AW101 is designed for operating in extreme weather conditions; it is fitted with a de-icing system and rated to operate in temperatures ranging between −45 and +50 °C. The aircraft’s control systems allow the AW101 to maintain a stable hover in 74 km/h (40 kn) crosswinds.
