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Merlin Helicopter Releasing Decoy Flares
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Merlin Helicopter Releasing Decoy Flares
As the sun goes down over the Indian Ocean, HMS Northumberlands Merlin helicopter sends more than 100 decoy flares cascading through the sky.
In the middle of her counter-piracy and counter-drugs work, the Devonport-based frigates helicopter tested one of the many tricks in her box her flares.
These are installed to decoy incoming heat-seeking missiles fired either by other aircraft, or ground-based threats - drawing them away from the helicopters engines on to a much hotter target.
A crew of four Fleet Air Arm personnel two pilots, one observer and one aircrewman plus nine engineers and technicians, and an aircraft controller, who oversee sorties from Northumberlands operations room in the bowels of the frigate, are responsible for the helicopter, which is embarked for the duration of the deployment.
The Merlin is one of several Flights (in this case 05) provided by 829 Naval Air Squadron in Culdrose, Cornwall, to Type 23 frigates for operations around the globe.
HMS Northumberland took over from her sister HMS Sutherland at the end of November and will be prowling some of the 2 million square miles of sea thats more than eight times the size of the North Sea which is the domain of the international maritime security effort in the region until the spring
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Media ID 15227812
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Aircraft Equipment Flares Helicopter Merlin Royal Navy Sunrise Sunset Decoys
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The sun sets over the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, casting a golden glow on the horizon. In this breathtaking moment, HMS Northumberland's Merlin helicopter takes flight, releasing a mesmerizing display of decoy flares into the darkening sky. As part of her vital counter-piracy and counter-drugs operations, this Devonport-based frigate showcases one of its many defensive tactics. More than 100 decoy flares cascade through the air, illuminating the twilight with their fiery brilliance. These powerful tools are strategically installed to divert incoming heat-seeking missiles away from the helicopter's engines and towards a much hotter target instead. The skilled crew aboard includes two pilots, an observer, an aircrewman, engineers and technicians who ensure that every operation runs smoothly. Embodying strength and precision in equal measure, this Merlin helicopter is just one component of 829 Naval Air Squadron based in Culdrose, Cornwall. It serves as an invaluable asset to Type 23 frigates like HMS Northumberland during missions across global waters. Taking over from her sister ship at the end of November, HMS Northumberland will tirelessly patrol over two million square miles of sea – an area eight times larger than the North Sea itself. This deployment is part of a crucial international maritime security effort in the region until springtime. As darkness envelops both land and sea alike, this awe-inspiring image captures not only military might but also unwavering dedication to safeguarding our oceans against threats unknown.
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