Fully amphibious Arma APC is seen for the first time in the UK page 14
DAY
Flexible and adaptable Venator frigate targets UK and US requirements page 30
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Daily Published by
Thursday 14 September 2017
Merlin for the Marines
Organised by
Day 3 p1.indd 1
I
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Making its DSEI debut on the East Terrace is the Merlin Mk 4, the version of the Leonardo AW101 that is tailored for a life at sea with the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) that provides airborne assault capability for the Royal Marines. Former RAF Merlins were reassigned to the CHF in 2014/15, and all 19 HC3s and six HC3As are being upgraded to HC4/4A standard as part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme. Central to the Mk 4 upgrade is a ‘marinisation’ programme that fits folding main rotors and a folding tailboom so the helicopters can operate from Royal Navy carriers and assault ships. The helicopters have a revised undercarriage and fast-roping beam added, while in the full Mk 4 configuration the avionics and flight deck displays are upgraded to match those of the Navy’s HM2 antisubmarine version. continued on page 3
13/09/2017 15:34