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AgustaWestland AW101

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AW101 (EH101)
Merlin
Royal Air Force Merlin HC3
Role Anti-submarine warfare & medium-lift transport / utility helicopter
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 9 October 1987
Introduction 2000
Status Active service
Primary users Royal Navy
Italian Navy
Indian Air Force
Royal Air Force
Portuguese Air Force
Produced 1990s-present
Variants CH-149 Cormorant
VH-71 Kestrel

The AgustaWestland AW101 (EH101 until June 2007) is a medium-lift helicopter for military applications but also marketed for civil use. The helicopter was developed as a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the UK and Agusta in Italy (now merged as AgustaWestland). The aircraft is manufactured at the AgustaWestland factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate, Italy. The name Merlin is used for AW101s in the British, Danish and Portuguese militaries.[1][2]

Development

In spring 1977, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Royal Navy's Westland Sea Kings. Westland responded with a design designated the WG.34 that was then approved for development.[3] Meanwhile, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) was also seeking a replacement for its (Agusta-built) Sea Kings, leading Agusta to discussions with Westland about the possibility of a joint development.[4] This culminated in the joint venture being finalised in November 1979 and a new company (EH Industries Limited [EHI], based in London) being formed in June the following year to manage the project.

As the design studies progressed, EHI became aware of a broader market for an aircraft with the same capabilities as those required by the British and Italian navies. On 12 June 1981, the UK confirmed their participation, with an initial budget of £20 billion to develop nine pre-series examples.[5] At the 1985 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Agusta showed a mock-up of a utility version of the new helicopter, leading to a more generalised design that could be customised. After a lengthy development, the first prototype flew on 9 October 1987.

EHI was renamed AgustaWestland International Limited in January 2004 when parent companies merged. Consequently, in June 2007, the EH101 was re-branded as the AW101.[6]

Design

AW101 airframe diagram

The modular aluminium-lithium alloy fuselage structure is damage and crash resistant, with multiple primary and secondary load paths. Active vibration control of the structural response (ACSR) uses a vibration-cancelling technique to reduce the stress on the airframe. The AW101 is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 °C. High flotation tyres permit operation from soft or rough terrain. The main rotor blades are a derivative of the BERP rotor blade design, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency at the blade tips, as well as reducing the blade's noise signature.[7]

The cockpit is fitted with armoured seats for the crew, and can withstand an impact velocity of over 10 m/s. Dual flight controls are provided, though the EH-101 can be flown by a single person. The pilot's instrument displays include six full colour high-definition screens and an optional mission display. A digital map and Forward-Looking Infrared system display can also be installed.

Propulsion

The military version of the AW101 is powered by either three Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 turboshafts (the same engines used in the UK's WAH-64 Apache) (UK, Japan, Denmark and Portugal), or three 1,491 kW General Electric CT7-6 turboshafts (Italy, Canada, Japan TMP). Engine inlet particle separator systems provide protection when operating in sandy environments. Each engine is supplied by a separate 1,074 litre self-sealing fuel tank using dual booster pumps. A fourth tank acts as a reservoir supply, topping up the main tanks during flight; while a fifth transfer tank can be added to increase range, as can airborne refuelling. The engines power an 18.59 metre diameter five-bladed main rotor. The rotor blades are constructed from carbon/glass with nomex honeycomb and rohacell foam, edged with titanium alloy. Computer control of the engines via the aircraft EECU's (electronic engine control unit) allows the AW101 to hover reliably in winds of over 80 km/h.

Weapon and defensive systems

A chin FLIR is fitted to some variants. The AW101 (excluding the ASM MK1) is equipped with Chaff and flare dispensers, directed infrared countermeasures (infrared jammers), ESM (electronic support measures, in the form of RF [radio frequency] heads), and a laser detection and warning system.

It has two hard points for weapon carriers, on which the HM Mk1 model can carry four Sting Ray torpedoes or Mk 11 Mod 3 depth charges, though at present cannot use the Sea Skua missile. The Mk1, Mk3 and 3a variants can mount General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) in up to 5 locations in the main cabin pointing out of door and window apertures.

Cargo systems

The AW101's fuselage has a volume of 31.91 m3 and the cargo compartment is 6.5 m in length, 2.3 m wide and 1.91 m high. The military version of the AW101 can accommodate up to 24 seated or 45 standing combat troops and their equipment. Alternative loads include a medical team and 16 stretchers, and cargo pallets. The cabin floor and rear ramp are fitted with flush tie-down points, a semi-automatic cargo release unit (SACRU). The ramp (1.91x2.3 m) can take a 3,050 kg load, allowing it to carry vehicles such as Land Rovers. A cargo hook under the fuselage can carry external loads of 5,440 kg via the use of a SACRU (semi auto cargo release unit). A rescue hoist and a hover trim controller are fitted at the cargo door.

Avionics

The navigation system includes a GPS and inertial navigation system, VHF Omnidirectional Radio range (VOR) instrument landing system (ILS), tactical air navigation (TACAN) and automatic direction finding. The MK1 and MK3 are equipped with a DVS (Doppler velocity system) for when the exclusive use of the conventional pitot pressure instruments might be unreliable for gauging accurate airspeed. The AW101 is equipped with helicopter management, avionics and mission systems linked by two 1553B multiplex and ARINC 429 databuses. A Smiths Industries OMI 20 SEP automatic flight control system provides dual redundant digital control, giving autostabilisation and four-axis auto-pilot operation.

Operational history

Royal Navy

The RN's final order was for 44 ASW machines, originally designated Merlin HAS.1 but soon changed to Merlin HM1. The first fully operational Merlin was delivered on 17 May 1997, entering service on 2 June 2000. All aircraft were delivered by the end of 2002, and are operated by four Fleet Air Arm squadrons, all based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall: 814 NAS, 820 NAS, 824 NAS and 829 NAS. 700 NAS was the Merlin Operational Evaluation Unit from 2000 to 2008.

A Merlin HM1 from HMS Monmouth flight, 829 NAS, 2007.

In March 2004, RN Merlins were grounded following an incident at RNAS Culdrose when the tail rotor failed on one of them. Investigations revealed that this was due to tail rotor hub manufacturing defects.[8] Flights resumed the following year.

The Merlin HM1 has been cleared to operate from the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates and a number of RFA vessels including the Fort Victoria Class. It is also intended to equip the forthcoming Type 45 destroyers.

A Capability Sustainment Programme is currently in place to upgrade 30 aircraft to the Merlin HM2 standard. This will include a new mission system and digital cockpit. It had been planned to include the remaining 8 airframes but this has now been dropped for financial reasons and alternative roles were sought for these aircraft[9]. The UK considered the Merlin as a replacement for the Westland Sea King ASaC7 in the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) role.[10]. On 15th December 2009, the future plans were annouced. The RAF Merlin HC.3 and HC.3As will be moved to the Commando Helicopter Force replacing 'junglie' Sea King Commando helicopter, the Helicopters being replaced with Chinooks in RAF service. The 8 spare airframes will be refitted with equipment from the Sea King ASaC7. Sea King will also be replaced in the SAR role by a PFI deal, resulting in the retirement of Sea King, leaving the Navy operating Lynx Wildcat and Merlin, the RAF operating Chinooks, and Army operating Lynx Wildcat and Apache.[11]

Royal Navy Merlins have seen action in the Caribbean, on counter-narcotics and hurricane support duties. They have also been active in Iraq, providing support to British and coalition troops on the ground, as well as maritime security duties in the North Persian Gulf.

Depth maintenance of Merlin HM1 is carried out at the Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility at RNAS Culdrose.

Royal Air Force

A British Merlin in Iraq during 2005

RAF ordered 22 transport helicopters designated Merlin HC3, the first of which entered service with No. 28 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Benson, in January 2001.[12]

The type is equipped with extended-range fuel tanks and is capable of air-to-air refuelling; however, due to the lack of a suitable UK tanker aircraft, this capability has not been cleared for use. It also differs from the Royal Navy version by having double-wheel main landing gear, whereas the RN version only has a single wheel on each of the main gears.

The first operational deployment was to the Balkans in early 2003. They were deployed to southern Iraq as part of Operation Telic until July 2009 when British forces withdrew from Iraq.

To alleviate a shortfall in operational helicopters the British Ministry of Defence acquired six Merlins from Denmark in 2007. These were delivered to the RAF as the Merlin HC3A. As part of the deal, the UK Ministry of Defence has ordered six new-build replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force. In December 2007, a second Merlin squadron (No. 78 Squadron) was formed at Benson.[13] Six Merlins Mk3s are to be sent to Afghanistan in December 2009. However, their deployment has been criticised as they allegedly lack Kevlar armour.[14]

Depth maintenance of Merlin HC3 is also carried out at the Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility at RNAS Culdrose.

It has been annouced that the RAF will relinquish it's Merlin's to the Commando Helicopter Force, and replace them with Chinook HC.2.[15]

Italian Navy

Italian Navy ASW variant in 2004

In 1997, the Italian Government ordered 20 EH101 helicopters with four options for the Italian Navy in the following variants:[16]

  • 9 (+1) anti-surface and anti-submarine (ASW)
  • 4 (+2) early-warning (AEW)
  • 4 utility aircraft
  • 4 ASH (Amphibious Support Helicopter)

The first Italian Navy production helicopter (MM81480) was first flown on 4 October 1999 and was officially presented to the Press on 6 December 1999 at the Agusta factory. Deliveries to the Italian Navy started at the beginning of 2001 and were completed by 2006. Italian EH101s operate from major surface units, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. Tne 9th ASW helicopter was delivered on august 2009.

The AW-101 is choosed for CSAR program, 12 + 3 option, of Aeronautica Militare (Air Force) for replacement of HH-3F.

Royal Danish Air Force

A Royal Danish Air Force AW101 hoisting from a ship's deck

In 2001, the Royal Danish Air Force announced the purchase of eight EH101s for SAR duties and six tactical troop transports. The last of the 14 EH101s was delivered 1 March 2007 and the first SAR EH101s became operational in late April 2007. The Danish Mk 512s have a MTOW of 15,600 kg.[17]

In 2007, the British Ministry of Defence acquired the six troop transport EH101s from Denmark to alleviate a shortfall in British operational helicopters. In exchange, the British have ordered six new-build helicopters from AgustaWestland as replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force.

On 28 January 2008, one Danish AW101 broke the drive shaft from one engine to the gear box and made an emergency landing at Billund Airport. Following this incident the Danish fleet was grounded as a safety precaution. The incident caused some national debate[18] about the future of the EH101 in Danish service and whether it made sense to acquire different helicopters since the EH101 had very low availability (roughly 30%) due to mechanical issues. AgustaWestland, in turn, blamed the Danes for ordering spare parts very late and not keeping enough staff to properly service the helicopters.[19] In April 2008, RDAF reported considerable improvements in operational availability (over 50%), citing improved service form AW (speedy delivery of spare parts) and increased proficiency of groundcrews.[citation needed]

Norway

AW101 is a candidate for the Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) that is planned to replace the Westland Sea King Mk.43B of the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 2015.[20] The other candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10-12 helicopters are Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, Eurocopter EC225, NHIndustries NH-90 and Sikorsky S-92.[21]

Portuguese Air Force

The Portuguese Air Force has operated Merlins since 24 February 2005, in transport, search and rescue, combat search and rescue, fisheries surveillance and maritime surveillance missions. The 12 aircraft, in three versions, gradually replaced the Aérospatiale Puma in those roles. Portuguese Merlins are painted in a tactical green and brown camouflage.

The main role of the Portuguese AW101 is search and rescue in Portugal's maritime zone. EH-101s are on constant alert at three bases: Montijo (near Lisbon), Lajes Field, Azores and Porto Santo Island.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ordered 14 aircraft in 2003 to use in both the MCM (Mine Counter-Measures) and transport roles. The MCH-101 and CH-101 will replace the S-80-M-1 (MH-53E) for MCM, and the Sikorsky S-61 in a support role for Japanese Antarctic observations.[22]

Algeria

In November 2007, Algeria signed a contract for six AW101 helicopters.[23] The first aircraft will be delivered in 2009, with further orders possible.

Saudi Arabia

In mid-2008 it was revealed that a Saudi Arabian customer had ordered two VVIP AW101s.[24]

India

India plans to order 12 AW-101 helicopters, for the Indian President and Prime Minister. The AW-101 was selected after competing against the Sikorsky S-92 Superhawk in field trials in 2008. One particular requirement was that the helicopter have "a high tail boom" to allow the Prime Minister's car to come closer to the rear exit staircase for reduced exposure to threats.[25]

United States

The USMC has two AW101 VH-71 helicopters as part of its efforts to replace its Marine One helicopters. With the proposed elimination of further expenditures on the programme announced on 6 April 2009.[26]

Variants

Model 110
Italian Navy ASW/ASuW variant, eight built.
Model 111
Royal Navy ASW/ASuW variant, designated Merlin HM1 by customer, 44 built.
Model 112
Italian Navy Early Warning variant, four built.
Model 300
Italian-built prototype civil passenger variant, one built.
Model 410
Italian Navy transport variant, eight built.
Model 411
Royal Air Force transport variant, designated Merlin HC3 by customer, 22 built.
Model 500
Prototype utility variant with rear-ramp, two built.
Model 510
Civil transport variant, two built.
Model 511
Canadian Forces search and rescue variant, designated CH-149 Cormorant by customer, 15 built.
Model 512
Royal Danish Air Force variant for search and rescue and transport, 14 built.
Model 514
Portuguese Air Force search and rescue variant, six built.
Model 515
Portuguese Air Force fisheries protection variant, two built.
Model 516
Portuguese Air Force combat search and rescue, four built.
Model 518
Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force mine countermeasures and transport, two built.
Model 519
Transport variant for the United States Marine Corps as the VH-71 Kestrel, five built.
Merlin HM1
Royal Navy designation for the Model 111.
Merlin HM2
Avionics retrofitting for 30 RN HM1s to be performed by Lockheed Martin for the Royal Navy. First flight expected late 2010.
Merlin HC3
Royal Air Force designation for the Model 411.
Merlin HC3A
Royal Air Force designation for six former Royal Danish Air Force Model 512s modified to UK standards.
CH-148 Petrel
33 originally ordered by the Canadian Forces, reduced to 28 and later cancelled.
CH-149 Cormorant
Canadian Forces designation for the Model 511 Search and rescue variant. (14 in service).
VH-71 Kestrel
USMC variant intended to serve as the US Presidential helicopter. Two in testing. Proposed for elimination from Defense budget along with other proposed helicopter programs in April 2009.[26]

Operators

Rescue 09 a Danish Air Force Search and Rescue EH101
Japanese MCH-101
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department EH101

Military operators

 Denmark
 Italy
 Japan
 Portugal
 United Kingdom

Law enforcement operators

 Japan

Notable accidents and incidents

Five Merlins have been written-off and one damaged in accidents, of which three have been due to problems with the tail rotor hub cracking.[citation needed]

  • 21 January 1993 - Italian development Merlin PP2 (MMX600) crashed near Novara-Cameri airfield in Italy after an uncommanded application of the rotor brake in flight - four killed.[citation needed]
  • 17 April 1995 - British development Merlin PP4 (ZF644) crashed near Yarcombe in Dorset, England.[citation needed]
  • 20 August 1996 - Italian development Merlin PP7 (I-HIOI) was damaged in an accident when it turned over after the tail rotor drive failed on landing. The helicopter was repaired.[27]
  • 27 October 2000 - British Royal Navy Merlin (ZH844) ditched near the Isle of Skye, Scotland after a hydraulic fire caused by the rotor brake being partially engaged.[citation needed]
  • 15 November 2007 - During a medical evacuation on São Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal, a Portuguese Air Force Merlin caused injuries to five people when it suddenly and unexpectedly climbed by one meter in the middle of the embarking procedures. The pilot was then able to recover the control of the helicopter minimizing the damages. According to the air force spokesperson, this kind of incident is unheard of.[28]

Specifications (Merlin HM1)

Composite image of an RAF Merlin testing flares

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4
  • Capacity:
    • 24 seated troops or
    • 45 standing troops or
    • 16 stretchers with medics

Performance Armament

Avionics

  • Smiths Industries OMI 20 SEP dual-redundant digital automatic flight control system
  • Navigation systems:
  • Radar:
    • Selex Galileo Blue Kestrel 5000 maritime surveillance radar (ASW RN EH101s)
    • Eliradar MM/APS-784 maritime surveillance radar (ASW Italian EH101s)
    • Eliradar HEW-784 air/surface surveillance radar (AEW variants)
    • Officine Galileo MM/APS-705B search/weather radar (Italian Navy Utility EH101s)
    • Telephonics RDR-1600 weather avoidance radar (Royal Danish Air Force EH101s)
    • Galileo APS-717 search/surveillance radar (Portuguese Air Force EH101s)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ EH-101 Merlin on Portuguese Air Force Official Website, in English
  2. ^ Danish Airforce Factsheet page
  3. ^ Flight International November issue 1978
  4. ^ Agusta and Westland partnership details
  5. ^ Aeronautica & Difesa, No. 14, Dec 1987, p. 34.
  6. ^ "Rotorcraft Report: AgustaWestland". Rotor & Wing. Access Intelligence, LLC. 2007-08-01. Retrieved 2007-08-11. The company re-branded its medium-lift EH101 transport the AW101 to reflect...the full integration of its Agusta and Westland...
  7. ^ Prouty, Ray. Helicopter Aerodynamics, Helobooks, 2003
  8. ^ Probe continues into Merlin crash, BBC
  9. ^ Jane's Defence Weekly 8 July 2009 p14
  10. ^ Merlin replacement of Seaking details
  11. ^ [1], BBC
  12. ^ 28 Squadron
  13. ^ 78 Squadron Operational
  14. ^ "MoD denies Merlin 'unsafe' claims". BBC, 4 August 2009.
  15. ^ [2]
  16. ^ EH-101 page, Italian Ministry of Defence English translation.
  17. ^ untitled
  18. ^ jp.dk - Leder: Højt at flyve
  19. ^ Forsvarets fejlindkøb står i kø - Danmark
  20. ^ "The NAWSARH Project". Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  21. ^ Per Erlien Dalløkken (2009-05-07). "De fem kandidatene". Teknisk Ukeblad (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  22. ^ Aircraft KHI
  23. ^ Avionews
  24. ^ "Saudi Arabian customer orders two VVIP AgustaWestland AW-101s". Retrieved 2008-08-12. mirror
  25. ^ "PM, President to get swanky copters". The Times of India, 30 July 2009.
  26. ^ a b http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30071664/
  27. ^ [3].Flug-Revue,
  28. ^ Jornal de Notícias - Incidente com helicóptero da Força Aérea fez cinco feridos (in Portuguese), archived from the original on 17 December 2007
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