Merlin Helicopters

First Merlin helicopter arrives in Afghanistan

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The first RAF Merlin helicopter has arrived in Afghanistan as part of a move to boost air support on the frontline, the MOD announced today. The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by the end of this year, providing a significant increase in UK military helicopters and flying hours available to commanders on the ground. The Merlin will perform a wide range of military tasks, making it a valuable asset for our forces.

The helicopter was stripped down and transported by a C-17 plane from RAF Brize Norton and has arrived at Camp Bastion for re-assembly and extensive pre-flight checks before it takes to the Afghan skies.

The Merlin Force returned from operations in Iraq in August 2009 and the crews have since undertaken intensive pre-deployment training whilst the aircraft have received significant upgrades to meet the challenges of the harsh Afghanistan environment.

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Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell said

“We recognise the importance of helicopters for operations in Afghanistan. The deployment of the Merlin helicopters is evidence of our ongoing commitment to increase capacity and further improvements to helicopter capability in Afghanistan will follow over the next 12 months.”

Group Captain Jonathan Burr

Station Commander at RAF Benson said

“The Merlin Force has pulled out all the stops to get the Merlins to the frontline as quickly as possible. The Force is now ready to take on the challenges of operating in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and is eager to contribute to the UK effort as they did so successfully in Iraq.”

Squadron Leader Mike Cook

Senior Engineering Officer for the Merlin Force said

“The first group of engineers taking the Merlin to Afghanistan have worked extremely hard at RAF Brize Norton to prepare the aircraft for its journey."

"The entire engineering Squadron has risen to the challenge over the previous months to make sure all the aircraft are in top condition for the forthcoming deployment”.

Monday 30 November 2009

RAF Merlins given ‘green light’ for ops in Afghanistan

Following the arrival of the first RAF Merlin helicopters in Afghanistan, the initial Merlin force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of schedule, the MoD announced today. This declaration of an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) means that following transportation to Afghanistan; re-assembly and pre-flight checks, Merlins are now available for operational flying on the front line.

The Merlins are transporting troops to and from the Forward Operating Bases and are re-supplying them with ammunition, food and equipment.

The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by the end of this year, providing a significant increase in UK military helicopters. Merlins can carry up to 20 personnel and will provide an additional capability to the Chinook, Sea King and Lynx.

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Defence Secretary said

"I am really pleased that the Merlin helicopters are now up and running in Afghanistan and have been given the green light for operations."

"The delivery of this capability is one-month ahead of schedule and it is an outstanding effort, achieved through the ongoing determination and sheer hard work applied by all those involved."

Commander Joint Helicopter Command

Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said

“This is a tremendous achievement by the Merlin Helicopter Force. Having left Iraq in the summer, they have retrained the aircrew and reconfigured the aircraft for Afghanistan in double-quick time.

This marks a tangible enhancement of helicopter capability in theatre, and is a major step forward in supporting our troops. The whole Joint Helicopter Force’s morale is very high, the first Merlins are now operating on the front line, and more will follow.”

Group Captain Jonathan Burr, Station Commander at RAF Benson, where the Merlin Force is based, said:

“The delivery of Merlin in Afghanistan almost a month ahead of schedule is testament to the outstanding efforts and teamwork of the Merlin Force and RAF Benson. We have pulled out all the stops to get the aircraft into Afghanistan as soon as possible and are now ready to provide significant helicopter lift to the troops in Helmand.”

No 78 Squadron A Flight are currently in Afghanistan with their engineers and support personnel. Officer Commanding 78 Squadron, is also in Afghanistan, leading his crews into their first deployment in support of Operation HERRICK.

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