Defence

The UK Royal Air Force could reduce its numbers of AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin HC3 transports deployed in Iraq to three helicopters as a result of the high availability rates being delivered by its current four-aircraft detachment, says Wg Cdr Andy Turner, officer commanding 28 Sqn.

Deployed to the southern Iraqi city of Basra in February to replace five RAF CH-47 Chinook HC3 transports, the Merlins have so far achieved an availability rate of 89% during 800 flight hours, says Turner. The aircraft are being used in a multirole configuration that includes the ability to support special-forces assault operations.