Merlin HC4

Flight testing continues at Leonardo Helicopters Yeovil facility, Somerset, with first upgraded Merlin HC4 ZJ122/F for the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force based at nearby Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Adapted for maritime operations, the upgraded configuration features a folding main rotor head and tail and a new avionics suite. The first HC4 is expected to enter front line use by the latter part of this year with an objective to convert all 25 examples by the end of 2020 under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme.