Merlin Costs
Defence written questions - 22nd May - Helicopters: Costs.
Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) acquisition cost and (b) average operating cost per hour is of the (i) RAF and (ii) Royal Navy version of the Merlin helicopter. [137620]
Mr. Ingram: The acquisition cost of the RAF operated Merlin Mk 3 is around £19 million and for the RN operated Merlin Mk 1 is around £39 million.
The large price differential is due to the inclusion of the sophisticated anti-submarine mission avionics, which are an integral part of the weapons system in the Merlin Mkl.
The total operating cost per hour is approximately £34,000 for the Merlin Mk 3 and is approximately £42,000 for the Merlin Mk 1. These figures include both fixed and marginal costs, comprising servicing costs, fuel costs, crew capitation and training costs, support costs and charges for capital and depreciation.