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Submarine Hunter
Merlin Mk2 entered service in 2014 as an upgrade for the original 1990’s Mk1 naval version. Its role is supply the UK’s Maritime Force Protection and airborne anti-submarine warfare capability for the foreseeable future.
In fleet
Under budget
On board
Lifting capacity
The Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme provided 30 Mk2s with a redesigned cockpit and aircraft management computer system; a total re-wiring of the aircraft and a new open-architecture tactical mission system. Enhancements to the RADAR and sonar systems mean the Merlin continues to be the world’s most potent sub hunting helicopter. Beyond searching for submarines the helicopter is capable of much more, including round-the-clock maritime patrol and interdiction – armed with Sting-Ray Torpedoes, Mk11 Depth Charges and the M3m .50 Calibre Machine Gun; troop ferrying, casualty evacuation, medium lift under-slung loads, Search and Rescue, and other contingency tasks. In the future the Merlin Mk2, as part of the the Crowsnest programme, will also be the replacement aircraft for the Navy’s Sea King Mk7 Airborne Surveillance and Control. A genuine all-rounder! 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. The Merlin Mk2 is already in the thick of major naval exercises with 820, 824 and 829 Naval Air Squadrons and 820 Naval Air Squadron will soon deploy with the UK’s Response Force Task Group.
What I like best is the variety. On any given mission I could be monitoring threats, searching for targets, or even using weapons. I also get to be involved in planning and executing major operations – nothing beats the feeling of seeing it all come together successfully.
Whether we’re on ship or at the shore base, there’s always time to wind down. I might head to the mess for a drink or catch up on some sleep.
I’m a trained first-aider – it’s part of my role – so I’m out on call to help out if anyone gets into trouble and needs a hand.
I work on the Wildcat, operating from a Type 45 Destroyer. That means surveillance, so I’m feeding vital info back to the ship’s ops room.
A big part of my job is pre-flight planning, so I work with the Pilot and Commanding Officers to fine-tune the mission.
The Wildcat is a master of all trades, so we use it for search and rescue missions, like the recent refugee operations in the Med.
Training’s happening all the time, so I’m constantly honing my skills – whether in the classroom or in the air.
From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.
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Performing to the very highest standards. Putting our ships and our people through their paces. Always striving for better. Training is what makes the Royal Navy the best in the world.
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