MERLIN DEMONSTRATES IMPRESSIVE ACTIVE DIPPING SONAR CAPABILITY IN LATEST TRIALS

11 November 1999

A brand new helicopter for the Royal Navy is a step nearer to entry into full operational service following the successful testing of its revolutionary active dipping sonar (ADS) system. In a series of trials conducted on a DERA site in the Outer Hebrides, the Merlin HM Mk1 proved once again the awesome potential of its ability to detect, locate and track submarines.

The trials were managed by the Merlin Prime Contractor, Lockheed Martin ASIC, with support from their principal subcontractor, GKN Westland Helicopters of Yeovil. The two aircraft that took part in the trials, RN02 and RN03, were flown by Royal Navy Merlin Operational Development Crews (MODC). The crews were supported by Elmer Walls, a GKN Westland Helicopters’ test pilot.

The location in the Outer Hebrides was chosen for the tests as the area provides the ability to conduct deep and shallow water scenarios relatively close to the coast.

The ADS trials are part of an ongoing series of tests for the Merlin system, scheduled to enter into front line service in 2001, which have been conducted by Lockheed Martin and GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd. Other tests currently in process include Electro-Magnetic Compatibility trials at the DERA site at Boscombe Down and Ship, Helicopter Operational Limit (SHOL) Trials which are taking place aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship RFA Argus.

The ADS is one of the key sensors in a complex mission system, which has been fully integrated by Lockheed Martin. Other parts of the system include Sonobuoy processing, data link, radar, communications and electronic support measures.

Lockheed Martin’s Test Director Joe Harland said, “although we have not completed the tests on the ADS, we have proved that the system has incredible capability to locate submarines. With the Merlin System, the Royal Navy will have the best anti-submarine warfare capability in the world”.

The £2B Merlin programme is one of the largest and most complex defence programmes. The contract was awarded in 1991. As the Merlin Prime Contractor, Lockheed Martin ASIC is managing an international industry team, which includes their principal subcontractor GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd, Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd, several GEC companies and Racal. The company is under contract to supply 44 Merlin Weapons Systems to the Royal Navy.

The first Merlin Squadron, 700M, was commissioned in December 1998 at RNAS Culdrose. The Intensive Flying Trials Unit (IFTU) is putting the system through its paces in advance of its entry into full operational service.

In September, a Navy-owned Merlin made the first ever landing on a Royal Navy warship (HMS Grafton) as part of the displays for the Defence Systems Equipment International Show at Chertsey.