Merlins get defensive aids

An undisclosed number of RN Merlins have been upgraded with a new defensive aids system to enhance their ability in littoral and overland warfare. Some Merlins have also been fitted with a new EO sensor pod with video link download capability.



The defensive aids update was carried out by Lockheed Martin who are also working on a more general upgrade for Merlin, the HM2, which is due for a first flight next year. Merlin HM2 will new displays including a digital moving map, open systems computer architecture and improved radar. A lot of work is being put into the human machine interface to reduce crew workload and ease training.