Royal Air Force
The RAF ordered 22 transport helicopters designated Merlin HC3, the first of which entered service in January 2001 with No. 28 Squadron RAF based at RAF Benson. The type is equipped with extended-range fuel tanks and is capable of air-to-air refuelling; however as of 2012, aerial refuelling has not entered operational usage. The Merlin is frequently utilised for troop transport duties and for the transport of bulky objects, either internally or underslung, including vehicles and artillery.
RAF Merlins were first deployed to Iraq in 2004/5 where they remained until withdrawal in 2009. During this time they supported coalition forces and were the main medevac asset in southern Iraq, with both Flight Lieutenant Kev Harris and Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman being awarded the DFC during this period.
Depth maintenance of the Merlin HC3 is carried out at the Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility at RNAS Culdrose. The Merlin's first operational deployment was to the Balkans region in 2003. Merlins were also deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Telic; they were commonly deployed in the vicinity of the city of Basra until the British withdrawal in June 2009.
To alleviate a shortfall in operational helicopters and to allow Merlins to be deployed in Afghanistan, the British Ministry of Defence acquired six AW101s from Denmark in 2007; these were assigned to the RAF with the designation Merlin HC3A. In December 2007, a second Merlin squadron, No. 78 Squadron was formed at Benson.
Five Merlin Mk3s were operating in Afghanistan in 2009 to provide much-needed transportation of troops and supplies. The deployment to Afghanistan came under media criticism over allegations that they lacked Kevlar protective armour. As of July 2010, the Merlin fleet has been fully fitted with ballistic armour. The deployment of Merlins into Afghanistan allowed the detachment of Sea Kings to be withdrawn from the region in October 2011.
As of mid-2012, the RAF Merlin Mk3s and Mk3As started a transition period to become part of the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force, due to be finalised by 2016 after it undergoes upgrades to Royal Navy standard, and is capable of extended maritime operations. Royal Navy engineers have already started working alongside the Royal Air Force at RAF Benson, and are gradually replacing the RAF engineers until the Merlin is maintained and run completely by the Commando Helicopter Force.
Read more about this topic: AgustaWestland AW101, Operational History
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