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RAF Merlin HC3A Helicopter of No28 Sqn
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RAF Merlin HC3A Helicopter of No28 Sqn
A Royal Air Force Merlin HC3A helicopter is pictured during a training flight over Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
The Merlin (Bird of prey) HC3 and HC3a are operated by No.28 (AC) Squadron and 78 Squadron at RAF Benson.
No.78 Squadron was re-formed on 3 Dec 07 to allow for the increase in aircraft after the purchase of the 6 Danish Merlin HC3a earlier in 2007.
The Merlin is the first of a new generation of advanced, medium support helicopters for the RAF. It is an all weather, day and night, multi-role helicopter used in both tactical and strategic operational roles.
The aircraft carries an impressive defensive-aids suite, which includes a Radar and Laser Warning Receiver, Missile Approach Warners and Directional Infrared Countermeasures equipment, all integrated with an automatic chaff and flare dispensing system.
This is one of the most comprehensive defensive aids suites fitted to any helicopter in the world. To ensure accurate navigation anywhere on the globe, the aircrafts management computers take data from its laser-gyro, inertial-navigation platform and its doppler system and from air data sources, and combine the information with precise position data received from Global Positioning System satellites.
Navigation at night is enhanced by the crews use of display night-vision goggles and by the aircrafts multi-function turret, which can be fitted with forward- looking infrared radar. To increase the aircrafts range, the Merlin can be equipped with extended range fuel tanks and is capable of air-to-air refuelling, although this option is not currently used by the RAF. It is also fitted with an active vibration-damping system, which reduces the level of noise and vibration inside the cabin to a level no greater than that of a turboprop aircraft. As a result, crew fatigue is much reduced during long transits and airframe life is increased
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 15228293
© Crown Copyright
28 Sqn Equipment Helicopter Merlin Royal Air Force Squadron Training Benson
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print captures the majestic RAF Merlin HC3A Helicopter of No28 Sqn during a training flight over Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. Operated by No. 28 (AC) Squadron and 78 Squadron at RAF Benson, the Merlin HC3A is part of a new generation of advanced medium support helicopters for the Royal Air Force. This all-weather, day and night multi-role helicopter plays a crucial role in both tactical and strategic operational missions. Equipped with an impressive defensive aids suite, including Radar and Laser Warning Receivers, Missile Approach Warners, Directional Infrared Countermeasures equipment, as well as an automatic chaff and flare dispensing system; it boasts one of the most comprehensive defense systems fitted to any helicopter worldwide. To ensure precise navigation anywhere on Earth, the aircraft's management computers combine data from its laser-gyro inertial-navigation platform with information received from Global Positioning System satellites. The crew utilizes display night-vision goggles along with the aircraft's multi-function turret that can be equipped with forward-looking infrared radar for enhanced navigation at night. With extended range fuel tanks available for increased range capability and air-to-air refueling capabilities (although currently not utilized by the RAF), this versatile machine is ready to tackle various missions. Additionally, its active vibration-damping system ensures reduced noise levels inside the cabin comparable to that of a turboprop aircraft – reducing crew fatigue during long transits while increasing airframe life. The photograph showcases this remarkable piece of military aviation technology in action - a true symbol of power and precision within Britain's armed forces.
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