RAF Merlins
Join Date: Jul 2002
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another urban myth
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I've heard the one about the EHI 01 typo... I also heard another one that said it was supposed to be called the MARLIN, after a great sea-bird (to reflect its Royal Navy connections perhaps?)
Another typo maybe?
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Not another typo, another urban myth.
When the beast was being designed and a name required, the high and mighty of WHL decided that a competition be held among the employees for suggestions ( a bit like on Blue Peter when they get another puppy!)
The winner of that competition was "Merlin" for the RN aircraft and it was intended that when the utility variant came along (now the Merlin Mk3) it would be called "Griffin" (it might have been Griffon - can't remember exactly). Of course when it did come along, politics dictated that it was called the Merlin Mk3 rather than Griffin Mk.1 - either that or RR objected to the pinching of their best names.
I've heard the one about the EHI 01 typo... I also heard another one that said it was supposed to be called the MARLIN, after a great sea-bird (to reflect its Royal Navy connections perhaps?)
Another typo maybe?
------------------------
Not another typo, another urban myth.
When the beast was being designed and a name required, the high and mighty of WHL decided that a competition be held among the employees for suggestions ( a bit like on Blue Peter when they get another puppy!)
The winner of that competition was "Merlin" for the RN aircraft and it was intended that when the utility variant came along (now the Merlin Mk3) it would be called "Griffin" (it might have been Griffon - can't remember exactly). Of course when it did come along, politics dictated that it was called the Merlin Mk3 rather than Griffin Mk.1 - either that or RR objected to the pinching of their best names.
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First of all a thanks to PUP for an excellent summary of the farce that led to the political decision to buy the Merlin. I believe it was AST 404, whether it was truely a Wessex/Puma replacement, I can't recall, but certainly the timing co-incided with the Wessex OSD.
Your point "Would the UK military really want Chinooks only" is of course valid, but would we want another 100' long, 3 engined helicopter with a payload a third of the Chinooks' together with another training and logistic support system, I believe, is. The US Army don't seem to have problem with 'only' having Chinooks, they have a complimentary aircraft in the Blackhawk, just as we have in the Puma, so what will replace the Puma?
Dangermouse retorts with the usual 'get a life and live with what you got' line, common to those who recognise that there is no defence!
Detrimento Sumus commented that 28 Sqn appear to be a professional bunch of guys, - they ARE professional and do well with what they've got. He goes on to say the the Merlin is "ideally suited to those more specialist roles required on the battlefield that doesn't revolve around pure trash hauling" - I'm sorry Sumus, could you remind me what those roles are? The Chinook has taken part in all major, and most minor, conflicts in the last 2 decades and 'trash hauling' was what was needed, I don'r recall any battlefield specialist roles it couldn't do.
Your point "Would the UK military really want Chinooks only" is of course valid, but would we want another 100' long, 3 engined helicopter with a payload a third of the Chinooks' together with another training and logistic support system, I believe, is. The US Army don't seem to have problem with 'only' having Chinooks, they have a complimentary aircraft in the Blackhawk, just as we have in the Puma, so what will replace the Puma?
Dangermouse retorts with the usual 'get a life and live with what you got' line, common to those who recognise that there is no defence!
Detrimento Sumus commented that 28 Sqn appear to be a professional bunch of guys, - they ARE professional and do well with what they've got. He goes on to say the the Merlin is "ideally suited to those more specialist roles required on the battlefield that doesn't revolve around pure trash hauling" - I'm sorry Sumus, could you remind me what those roles are? The Chinook has taken part in all major, and most minor, conflicts in the last 2 decades and 'trash hauling' was what was needed, I don'r recall any battlefield specialist roles it couldn't do.
Join Date: Jun 2003
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But shouldn't the sky be full of Chinook HC3s now?
Where are they?
Why aren't they?
C'mon. I'm a journo, I won't tell.......
Where are they?
Why aren't they?
C'mon. I'm a journo, I won't tell.......
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Join Date: May 2003
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Q: I have noticed at Benson that one of the Merlins has a Flight Refuelling probe stuck on it - does anyone know what the tanker aircraft to refuel these is likely to be and are trials underway to conduct air-air refuelling??
My guess would be a Herkybird tanker, but cannot think if the RAF still have Herk tankers??
My guess would be a Herkybird tanker, but cannot think if the RAF still have Herk tankers??
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We await the answer to the tanker question with interest as well....
As to the probe, what are you expecting anybody to say? I guess it's on there for training purposes. There are no limitations without it fitted or with it fitted.
We should all recognise that military procurement has always been a political issue, thats just a fact of modern life
DM
As to the probe, what are you expecting anybody to say? I guess it's on there for training purposes. There are no limitations without it fitted or with it fitted.
We should all recognise that military procurement has always been a political issue, thats just a fact of modern life
DM
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Neil,
Don't think you were mistaken, they probably fitted the expensive boom because they were about to go training with ?
DM,
Sorry, you are, of course, correct - 'military procurement has always been a political issue' - and because of that we peasants should be eternally grateful: Nimrod AEW, SA80, EFA, etc, etc.
Don't think you were mistaken, they probably fitted the expensive boom because they were about to go training with ?
DM,
Sorry, you are, of course, correct - 'military procurement has always been a political issue' - and because of that we peasants should be eternally grateful: Nimrod AEW, SA80, EFA, etc, etc.
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Any truth in the story about the "Blue" version gaining weight whilst at sea aboard her Majesty's Grey Funnel Line. Something to do with the composites holding moisture. Or is it just a vicious rumour.
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Join Date: May 2003
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Day off today, driving past Abingdon this morning to see one pf the regular 28 Sqn Merlins circuit bashing - noticed the Army on exercise on parts of the airfield & then noticed a gaggle of 20 odd squaddies marching straight across the Main runway in use (using RWY 18 at the time), they couldn't even be bothered to look up as to see where the Merlin was ( was about 10 seconds from landing on......!!!).... then those 20 odd squaddies went across the runway again!
The RAF weekend flyers often get problems like this ( dog walkers especially)..... oh and the odd learner driver.
To me, that is a serious Health & Safety issue - i would have thought being as the RAF still use the place then would be sensible to come to a mutual agreement with the Army there & re-instate some kind of control on the airfield??
We have been putting up signs to warn people to stay off the runways but i think people cannot read!!
Any 28Sqn ( & 33sqn) crews like to comment on this problem
The RAF weekend flyers often get problems like this ( dog walkers especially)..... oh and the odd learner driver.
To me, that is a serious Health & Safety issue - i would have thought being as the RAF still use the place then would be sensible to come to a mutual agreement with the Army there & re-instate some kind of control on the airfield??
We have been putting up signs to warn people to stay off the runways but i think people cannot read!!
Any 28Sqn ( & 33sqn) crews like to comment on this problem
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Join Date: May 2003
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Merlin mishap
I heard today that a Merlin of 28sqn hit an " unlit mast or marker" near the load park last night - anyone know if the Heli is damaged badly(?) and crew are ok...........
