29 Jun 2007
Six brand new Merlin helicopters have been transferred from Denmark to the UK under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both governments earlier this week. The deal with Denmark was sought to fill an urgent operational requirement for more tactical transport helicopters for the RAF.
The first of these helicopters arrived in the UK today, Friday 29 June 2007, at AugustaWestland in Yeovil to undertake modifications before being added to the current RAF fleet of 22 Merlin aircraft, all based at RAF Benson. They will be fully ready for operations in 2008.
The UK Ministry of Defence has entered into a contract with AgustaWestland to produce six new Merlin helicopters for Denmark as replacements for the six transferred.
The UK MOD also plans to convert eight Chinook HC.Mk.3 transport helicopters for deployment, enabling a total of 14 new helicopters to be added to the fleet within two years.
First Danish Merlin Helicopters for RAF Arrive in UK
The first of these helicopters arrived in the UK today, Friday 29 June 2007, at AugustaWestland in Yeovil to undertake modifications before being added to the current RAF fleet of 22 Merlin aircraft, all based at RAF Benson. They will be fully ready for operations in 2008.
The UK Ministry of Defence has entered into a contract with AgustaWestland to produce six new Merlin helicopters for Denmark as replacements for the six transferred.
The UK MOD also plans to convert eight Chinook HC.Mk.3 transport helicopters for deployment, enabling a total of 14 new helicopters to be added to the fleet within two years.
Source: UK MOD
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