Merlin Mk2 helicopter upgrade
Yeovil, UK (AgustaWestland/Leonardo facility) · 2008 (contract awarded) - 2016 (final delivery) · £750 million (contract with Lockheed Martin); £165 million (contract extension for support)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe upgrade significantly enhanced the Merlin's capabilities, making it a world-leading maritime patrol helicopter. - The project involved a major collaboration between AgustaWestland and Lockheed Martin. - The upgrade ensured the Merlin fleet remained effective against evolving submarine threats.
Key engineering challenges
Converting existing Merlin Mk1 airframes to the Mk2 standard. - Integrating advanced glass cockpits, improved aircrew consoles, and sophisticated mission systems for enhanced ASW and AEW capabilities. - Ensuring seamless operation with new sensor suites and data processing capabilities.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Royal Navy / UK Ministry of Defence
- Lead contractor
- AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters) for conversion; Lockheed Martin (prime contractor for the upgrade)
- Lead designers
- AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters)
- Project type
- upgrade
- Scale
- 30 Merlin Mk1 helicopters converted to Mk2; 2 engines (Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322); Max speed: 167 knots (309 km/h); Range: 800 nautical miles (1,482 km)
- Disciplines
- Aeronautical engineering; systems integration; avionics; software engineering; anti-submarine warfare systems
- Standards & frameworks
- Military aviation standards.
Sources: Defence Equipment & Support: Merlin helicopter (https://des.mod.uk/what-we-do/navy-procurement-support/merlin-helicopter/) - Leonardo: AW1073 Merlin Mk2 delivery (https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/merlin-mk2-delivery) - GOV.UK: Royal Navy receives upgraded Merlin helicopters (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-receives-upgraded-merlin-helicopters) - Wikipedia: AgustaWestland AW101 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW101)