QinetiQ puts Merlin wizardry to the test

Citation

(2002), "QinetiQ puts Merlin wizardry to the test", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774dab.022

QinetiQ puts Merlin wizardry to the test

QinetiQ reports that it has successfully completed sea trials investigating the Ships Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL) for the Merlin HM Mk 1 aircraft. Flying out late last year from QinetiQ at Boscombe Down, the Merlin joined aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal in the South West approaches to the English Channel.

During the three-week trial the aircraft flew over 70 hours, completing 25 sorties and 775 deck landings. The 16-strong trials team used their expertise to test a range of factors including deck motion limits, wind speed/direction limits, aircraft power margins and aircraft handling and performance characteristics.

"With over 30 years' experience of SHOL trials under its belt, the company and its predecessors are recognised internationally for its extensive expertise" said Tony Dyer, QinetiQ Trials manager at Boscombe Down. "The trial proved that the Merlin is a capable aircraft that will be central to future Royal Navy operations. The combined QinetiQ and ship team exploited all available conditions and tested the Merlin to the limits."

The aircraft was fitted with a comprehensive suite of instrumentation that was interrogated in real time onboard the aircraft and digitally recorded for post-flight analysis. The results will provide the basis for recommendations for the limits that will be used by the Merlin throughout its life when operating from the flight deck of Royal Navy aircraft CVS carriers.