Leonardo: FOC declared for Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters Vessels

Published on February 10, 2025

As disclosed, the original upgrades to the aircraft include a new folding main rotor head and folding tail which will allow two of the aircraft to fit on just one of the carriers’ aircraft lifts, and an improved defensive aid suite with a system that warns against and locates hostile laser-guided weapons.

The synthetic trainer includes two new pilot simulators, a procedures trainer, and a rear crew training device, employing augmented reality systems. For the first time, this is co-located at RNAS Yeovilton with CHF providing a step change in training capability for new aircrew and front-line mission training.

Merlin is now cleared to operate from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and will operate from the Type 45 destroyer.

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