How many troops can a Merlin helicopter carry?
The Merlin can accommodate up to 24 fully-laden troops. The Merlin is powered by 3 Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 engines that power a main rotor assembly that consists of 5 BERP (British Experimental Rotor Programme) IV blades.
How many troops can a Merlin carry?
What happened to Michael Heseltine?
Heseltine has now retired from day-to-day management, handing over to his son Rupert. Heseltine’s ownership of Haymarket has made him a large personal fortune.
When was the first Merlin helicopter made?
First flown in 1987, it was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft.
What does the Portuguese Air Force use Merlins for?
The Portuguese Air Force had purchased 12 Merlins under a €446 million contract, the first of which was delivered on 22 December 2004. The type has been used to conduct transport, search and rescue, and maritime surveillance missions, progressively replacing the Aérospatiale Puma previously tasked with these missions.
Where is the Merlin AW101 aircraft made?
Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft. It is manufactured at factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate, Italy; licensed assembly work has also taken place in Japan and the United States .
What happened to the Agusta heliliner PP2?
PP2 – Agusta-built Italian basic air vehicle prototype first flown on 26 November 1987 and used for deck trials but was destroyed on 21 January 1993 following a rotor brake malfunction. PP3 – Westland-built and the first civil configured Heliliner, used for engine vibration tests and icing trials in Canada.