Berp Iv

[Razor61]

Westland have been testing their BERP IV Merlin demonstrator over Merryfield today.
To be honest, looking at the 'paddles' on the end of each rotor it doesn't look much different cosmetic wise.
What are the enhancements over the older BERP blades, is it just the paddles that are different or has the whole blade been redesigned?

[Green Bottle 2]

From a google search:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/05/22/213937/berp-iv-gives-merlins-more-payload.html
The whole blade has been redesigned including the use of different materials.
GB2

[dakkg651]

So where did Wastelands copy that from?

[Razor61]

Interesting as i said, cosmetic wise it doesn't look much different.

What are the benefits from having BERP blades to for example, Carson Blades?

The Seaking fleet will/should be getting the Carson blade upgrade. Obviously the Merlin and possibly the new Future Lynx will get the BERP IV if successful.

Is the BERP only applicable to more rigid designs of rotor? Or could the BERPs be fitted to the Seaking inplace of the Carson?

[Grey Area]

AWHL offered BERP IV for Seaking but the timescales were not short enough and we've bought Carson, against the advice of the Design Oranisation so MOD shoulders all the risk. Best of luck.

[Seaking93]

Have not the Sea Kings getting the Carson blades had 'American' rotor heads fitted as well ?

[Two_Squirrels]

Have not the Sea Kings getting the Carson blades had 'American' rotor heads fitted as well ?

No, they are standard heads. They also have a 'new' 5 bladed tail rotor, a la Indian Sea King.

[fod_that]

Even if Westlands were given the go ahead now to produce BERP IV blades for the Sea King they wouldn't be operational for about 2 1/2 years. The blades for the Sea King have not been designed (other than on paper) yet and the mighty King would not fly with the same paddle design as the Merlin. That is why it is Carson and not Westlands products that are being fitted.

[Vatican69]

Will the Naval version of Merlin be getting the BERP IV blades too? If not in its current guise, in time for MCSP maybe?

[dangermouse]

:=as for the other questions.


the blade has been designed as a one for one replacement for EH101s so if the MIPT (or others) want them on other aircraft apart from the Mk3A I am sure WHL will supply.

BERP IV doesnt cover just the shape of the blade (thats actually a small part) the rest of the the work is technology applicable to any blade design, so you could put a blade with BERP IV technology on any platform (including the SK)


DM

[High_lander]

DMRH (Mk3a) were, and are, due to enter service with BERP IV.


Its actually a big difference when compared to seeing/hearing a Mk1/Mk3. Alot quieter.


I do not believe they are being placed on the Lynx. They're staying with BERP III.


The Carson blades have been in regular service with Carson SK61 for a few years- and I believe that the idea for them on RAF and RN Sea Kings a while ago was turned down- and have proved useful in logging etc.

[mutleyfour]

The latest article in Flight International states that Berp iv will be used as standard on Future Lynx variants SCMR and BRH.