The UK Royal Air Force's AgustaWestland Merlin HC3 transport helicopters have begun supporting coalition operations in Afghanistan. The type flew its first mission in the theatre on 27 November.
Drawn from 78 Sqn at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, the recently deployed Merlins are assigned to 1419 Flt at Camp Bastion, Helmand province. The first sortie involved moving troops and supplies between forward operating bases in the Helmand Valley, the Ministry of Defence says.
"The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by the end of this year," the MoD adds. The type follows RAF Boeing CH-47 Chinook, British Army Westland Lynx and Royal Marine Westland Sea King helicopters in supporting the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
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© Maj Paul Smyth/Crown Copyright |
Deployed Merlins have received so-called theatre entry standard equipment modifications to prepare them for service in Afghanistan. These have included enhancements to the aircraft's defensive aids system equipment and the addition of a forward-looking infrared sensor turret beneath the nose.
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© Maj Paul Smyth/Crown Copyright |
Source: Flight International
