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Royal Marines take delivery of first upgraded helicopters

Published on: 8 Jun 2018

The first of 25 new helicopters designed for Royal Marine aircraft carrier operations has been delivered to the air wing of the Royal Marines - the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF).

Known as the Commando Merlin Mk4, the upgraded helicopter is faster and more powerful aircraft than its predecessor. It now sports a maritime grey coat and features a folding main rotor and tail, upgraded flight controls and a tactical computer.

These changes have been made to ensure it can now operate from sea and will take off from ships including HMS Queen Elizabeth - the UK’s new 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier.

The new Commando Merlin aircraft will be used to deliver troops and supplies from sea to land.

Defence minister Guto Bebb said the new helicopters will provide an essential bridge between sea and land for Marines operating from ships.

The Commando Merlin Mk4 aircraft are being delivered through a £388 million contract between the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Leonardo Helicopters, supporting 175 skilled jobs at Leonardo in Yeovil, and a further 500 across the UK supply chain.