The EH Merlin is an Italian/British ship-borne and land-based four-seater medium lift helicopter optimised for anti-submarine use. Its primary roles are anti-surface ship and submarine warfare, tracking and surveillance, amphibious operations and search and rescue missions. The Merlin is a variant of the EH101 helicopter and the first Merlin, designated HMMk 1, entered service with the Royal Navy in December 1998. The Merlin has the capacity to carry up to 960 kg of disposable stores on tow hard points on the sides of the fuselage, typically comprising four homing torpedoes such as the Marconi Electronic Systems Stingray torpedoes or the Mark 11 depth bombs. The anti-surface version is able to carry a range of air-to-surface missiles including sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. There are optional gun positions through removable windows, the starboard cargo door and the port crew door. The Merlin is powered by three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM 322 02/8 engines providing a top speed of 296 kmh and a range of
1853 km. Research Merlin
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Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Aircraft
Research Merlin
