UK Royal Navy helicopters prepare for Afghan and Gulf operations
By Craig Hoyle
DATE:01/11/07
SOURCE:Flightglobal.com
The UK Royal Navy has begun preparations for two new deployments that will provide improved helicopter support for coalition operations in Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf region from early next year. The RN's 814 NAS maritime attack squadron will deploy its six AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin HM1 helicopters aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious next January, marking the service's largest embarked deployment of the type.
"This is the first time we will get six [Merlin] aircraft to sea in a single platform, and it will test the capability," says Merlin force commander Cdr Steve Murray.
In advance of its deployment to the Gulf region, 814 NAS will soon begin working up on HMS Illustrious, with crews to hone their skills in the Merlin's core role of anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic. However, the sonar-equipped aircraft can also have its role adjusted within 2h to carry up to 11 fully equipped troops or eight stretchers. "Gone are the days when you can focus on a single role," says Murray.
Full story
http://www.flightglobal.com/article...-helicopters-prepare-for-afghan-and-gulf.html
By Craig Hoyle
DATE:01/11/07
SOURCE:Flightglobal.com
The UK Royal Navy has begun preparations for two new deployments that will provide improved helicopter support for coalition operations in Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf region from early next year. The RN's 814 NAS maritime attack squadron will deploy its six AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin HM1 helicopters aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious next January, marking the service's largest embarked deployment of the type.
"This is the first time we will get six [Merlin] aircraft to sea in a single platform, and it will test the capability," says Merlin force commander Cdr Steve Murray.
In advance of its deployment to the Gulf region, 814 NAS will soon begin working up on HMS Illustrious, with crews to hone their skills in the Merlin's core role of anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic. However, the sonar-equipped aircraft can also have its role adjusted within 2h to carry up to 11 fully equipped troops or eight stretchers. "Gone are the days when you can focus on a single role," says Murray.
Full story
http://www.flightglobal.com/article...-helicopters-prepare-for-afghan-and-gulf.html