The British Navy has put a special helicopter into service. The new Merlin, known as the Crowsnest, stands out from its brothers at first glance. It has a distinctive radar dome, also known as a "bubble", on the port side. This enables it to carry out airborne surveillance. It also enables data exchange and communication with its own aircraft in operation. This powerful component is therefore ideal for use on the new aircraft carrier. Queen Elizabeth is planned. A team of three people works on board the helicopter: in addition to the pilot, two observers are also on board. With the data obtained high above the sea, the Strike Group Commander can see far beyond the horizon and react to threats at an early stage. The F-35s on board can also be guided directly during long-distance missions.
Preparations on a Merlin in the hangar
The new Merlins follow in the footsteps of the already decommissioned Sea Kings of the 849 Naval Air Squadron. Like their predecessors, they will be based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. The Merlins, which specialise in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), are already based there. Since autumn 2020, the crews have been trained in the new systems supplied by Thales on board the helicopters. The focus is on defence against air targets and FKs, as well as support for own aircraft missions.
The new Merlins are the last remaining piece of the puzzle in equipping the Queen Elizabeth. She is now ready for her first operational voyage. She will set sail for the Mediterranean in the spring. The planned route will take her to the Indian Ocean and onwards to the Indo-Pacific. During the course of the voyage, which will last several months, friendly nations and partners in the region will be visited and joint exercises carried out.
The radar dome is folded down for use
Text: mb; Photos: Royal Navy/Crown Copyright
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