MERLIN DELIVERIES MEET THE HALFWAY MARK

27 March 2000

Deliveries of the Royal Navy's newest aircraft have reached the halfway mark with the delivery of the 22nd (RN22) production model of the EH101 Merlin Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter. RN22 was handed over to the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) by Merlin Prime Contractor and Systems Integrator, Lockheed Martin, in a ceremony at GKN Westland Helicopter's Yeovil site.

In front of an audience that included many GKN employees who work on the Merlin production line, John Howarth (Deputy IPT Leader at the Defence Procurement Agency) took delivery of RN22 from Paul Beggs (Commercial Director for Lockheed Martin). John Howarth commented "the Merlin project team are delighted with the immense potential of this aircraft. With customer operating experience rising sharply we can confidently predict the successful completion of the full introduction into service of this technologically unsurpassed and highly innovative aircraft. A vital addition to the Royal Navy, Merlin is all set to take a leading role in the Maritime Defence capability of this country."

The latest aircraft to be delivered will be one of several assigned to 824 Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall. The squadron, which will be commissioned on 2 June 2000, will be responsible for all aspects of aircrew and maintainer training.

As part of the ongoing Merlin Test Programme, three Merlin aircraft are currently undergoing a series of trials at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) on Andros Island in the Bahamas. The AUTEC Tests will include further qualification of the aircraft's revolutionary Active Dipping Sonar (ADS).

In similar tests last year, the Merlin was so successful in localising the target submarine and prosecuting its simulated attacks that the submarine commander was heard to comment that he was glad that the Merlin will be on the same side when it enters into full service!

Other production aircraft are currently embarked in the aviation training ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus conducting Ship Helicopter Operational Limit (SHOL) trials. The trials are being augmented by personnel and aircraft from 700M Squadron, the Intensive Flying Trials Unit, based at RNAS Culdrose.

A total of 44 Merlin Weapons Systems have been ordered by MOD for the Royal Navy: The aircraft is due to enter Front-line service in 2001. Lockheed Martin was awarded the £2B Merlin programme in 1991

For further information, please contact:

Chris Trippick
Communications and PR Programme Manager
Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems
Langstone Technology Park
Havant Hampshire
PO9 1SA

Tel: (023) 9244 3739 Email: chris.trippick@lmco.com