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UK declares FOC for Commando Merlin HC4/4a helicopter

By Gareth Jennings |

The UK has upgraded 25 land-roled Merlin HC3/3a helicopters to the maritime Commando Merlin HC4/4a standard, of which 24 remain in service following the accidental loss of one airframe in 2024. This fleet has been declared fully operational. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The United Kingdom has declared full operating capability (FOC) for its fleet of Leonardo Commando Merlin HC4/4a assault helicopters.

Leonardo announced the milestone on 29 January, saying that the fleet of 24 helicopters is now fully ready to support the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) in its global operations (25 helicopters were upgraded, with one being lost in an accident in September 2024).

“Upgrades enabling Royal Navy Commando Merlin helicopters to embark in and operate from vessels anywhere in the world in support of 3 Commando Brigade – a capability called littoral strike – have achieved full operating capability,” the prime contractor said, adding, “In total, 19 [HC]3 and six [HC]3a Commando Merlins were upgraded to the [HC]4/4a standard, ensuring the CHF has the capability to provide air manoeuvre support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and other UK forces, anywhere in the world.”

Prior to being converted to HC4/4a, these helicopters were upgraded to the interim iHC3/3a standard. The iHC3 configuration included equipping the helicopters with a folding main rotor head (no tail fold), a fast rope point, modified undercarriage for deck operations, and new deck mooring points.

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