01 Aug 2007
The first of six new Merlin battlefield helicopters arrived at RAF Benson yesterday, 31 July 2007, a move which will enable aircrew and groundcrew to begin training on them.
The acquisition of the additional Merlin aircraft was announced by Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 30 March 2007 as part of a package of measures to enhance battlefield support helicopter capability available to operational commanders. The aircraft will increase the Merlin Support Helicopter fleet by over 25 per cent.
The six Merlin were acquired from the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June 2007. The second aircraft is due to arrive at RAF Benson later this week. The remaining four are being prepared for operational use and deployment at AgustaWestland in Yeovil.
See also <a href="http://www.milavia.net/news/2007/first-danish-merlin-helicopters-for-raf-arrive-in-uk.html" class="news">Danish Merlin Helicopters for RAF Arrive in UK (29 June 2007)</a>.
First ex-RDAF Merlin for RAF Arrived at RAF Benson
The acquisition of the additional Merlin aircraft was announced by Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 30 March 2007 as part of a package of measures to enhance battlefield support helicopter capability available to operational commanders. The aircraft will increase the Merlin Support Helicopter fleet by over 25 per cent.
The six Merlin were acquired from the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June 2007. The second aircraft is due to arrive at RAF Benson later this week. The remaining four are being prepared for operational use and deployment at AgustaWestland in Yeovil.
See also <a href="http://www.milavia.net/news/2007/first-danish-merlin-helicopters-for-raf-arrive-in-uk.html" class="news">Danish Merlin Helicopters for RAF Arrive in UK (29 June 2007)</a>.
Source: UK MOD
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