EH101 Merlin
Join Date: May 2004
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TC... not daring to comment either in case the thought police get me! Believe you are spot on. In any case the boys must be getting pretty cheesed off with nothing to fly for so long. Any idea when situation is going to change? Also any news on the injured crewperson(s)??
Well, there seems to be one flying anyway.
Que. fishing crew picked up by helicopter after boat runs aground
HALIFAX (CP) - Five people had to be picked up by helicopter Saturday morning after their fishing vessel ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The crew of the 19-metre-long Stephane C had anchored their vessel, but around 5 a.m. strong waves and winds started pushing them towards Anticosti Island.
The crew managed to call for help, then abandoned ship, making it to shore aboard a lifeboat.
A search and rescue vessel, along with a Hercules and a Cormorant helicopter were all dispatched to the scene.
The Cormorant eventually picked up the crew and took them back to Gaspe, Que.
There were no injuries reported.
Que. fishing crew picked up by helicopter after boat runs aground
HALIFAX (CP) - Five people had to be picked up by helicopter Saturday morning after their fishing vessel ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The crew of the 19-metre-long Stephane C had anchored their vessel, but around 5 a.m. strong waves and winds started pushing them towards Anticosti Island.
The crew managed to call for help, then abandoned ship, making it to shore aboard a lifeboat.
A search and rescue vessel, along with a Hercules and a Cormorant helicopter were all dispatched to the scene.
The Cormorant eventually picked up the crew and took them back to Gaspe, Que.
There were no injuries reported.
Join Date: May 2004
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Merlin Superiority
For the sceptics:
Flying backwards in a Merlin is not a major problem! Yes facing forwards would have some advantages and make life a little more comfortable with its high nose up attitude on occassion.
Twin wheels - was a cost/weight saver to go to a single wheel. No signficant problems in deck handlingwith twin wheels, not even with the deck handling as the main shuttles are a guide not the engine of PRISM.
Way ahead - yes the cause of the accident has been identifed and a plan to get them airborne again is in hand but wait for the BOI report for the detail.
Despite the teething problems in introducing this aircraft it is immensely capable and an excellent force asset to the afloat commander. DAS/weapons etc would all enhance the aircraft so rather than throw stones lets concentrate on making a good platform better.
As for the sceptics from the other communities - I hope you have learnt the lessons exposed by Merlin when you bring your replacements on-line!!!!
Flying backwards in a Merlin is not a major problem! Yes facing forwards would have some advantages and make life a little more comfortable with its high nose up attitude on occassion.
Twin wheels - was a cost/weight saver to go to a single wheel. No signficant problems in deck handlingwith twin wheels, not even with the deck handling as the main shuttles are a guide not the engine of PRISM.
Way ahead - yes the cause of the accident has been identifed and a plan to get them airborne again is in hand but wait for the BOI report for the detail.
Despite the teething problems in introducing this aircraft it is immensely capable and an excellent force asset to the afloat commander. DAS/weapons etc would all enhance the aircraft so rather than throw stones lets concentrate on making a good platform better.
As for the sceptics from the other communities - I hope you have learnt the lessons exposed by Merlin when you bring your replacements on-line!!!!
Just spent 45 minutes writing a reply as to why the Merlin HM1 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, only to be told I wasn't logged in. 
So I'll just say this.........Merlin HM1 replaces Sea King HAS6. Contrast and compare them, particularly in terms of sensor capability.
Merlin
Sea King
All the senors are hugely more capable. The area of sea that can be sanitised by a Merlin is several times larger than that of a Sea King.
So I'll just say this.........Merlin HM1 replaces Sea King HAS6. Contrast and compare them, particularly in terms of sensor capability.
Merlin
Sea King
All the senors are hugely more capable. The area of sea that can be sanitised by a Merlin is several times larger than that of a Sea King.
Join Date: May 2004
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WEBF - any amount of capability is useless if it is grounded (even for a 'brief period'). Merlin build up has been far slower than anyone expected; the current problem will doubtless cause even greater headaches with training throughput, operational programmes, etc, etc. How much longer can the RN wait to have the ASW and ASUW capability provided by Merlin restored. What is the cost v output equation?
Join Date: Jul 2002
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From what I heard during sea trials the launch cycle of the Merlin takes so long that it is incompatable with the launch cycle of the Harrier.
This means that the Merlin and Harrier cannot both operate off a CVS!
As a result the decision has been taken that the merlin will operate off of RFA's in Convoy with the CVS!!!!!!!!
Can you believe this stuff?
This means that the Merlin and Harrier cannot both operate off a CVS!
As a result the decision has been taken that the merlin will operate off of RFA's in Convoy with the CVS!!!!!!!!
Can you believe this stuff?
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From what I heard during sea trials the launch cycle of the Merlin takes so long that it is incompatable with the launch cycle of the Harrier.
There has always been issues with operating fixed and rotary assets off the same deck. Any U/S helo stuck on the spot (for example unable to fold the rotors) is going to screw up the FW programme.
Plus the RFA's are a lot nicer to live on !!
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I can't stop myself from replying to the 'sh@%e' above invented by those whose sea time can only be measured in ferry crossings.
I have done Ship Helicopter Limit Trials (SHOLs) in both the Sea King and Merlin.
Which is more capable - THE MERLIN
Which scared me the most - THE SEA KING
What is better at night in the pitch black with 4 metres of swell and 30ft of dec movement - THE MERLIN
The Merlin is second only to the Lynx in terms of ship compatibility and manoeuvreability.
The point made above about CVS and aircraft types hits it on the head. Prior to Merlin introduction to service as soon as the GR7s came on board the HAS 6 Sea Kings were kicked off to the RFA. Actually the RFA (both Wave Class and Fort Class) are better platforms and are better in nearly all respects than a CVS for a unit to operate from.
On a totally different note a colleague of mine recently serving with the Army in Bosnia told me how much they liked the Merlin on real ops in comparison to the Puma. He's not a pilot and drives ships for a living.
Merlin will carry on and beat the world whatever those who like to shoot crap at it form the ignorant outside may like to say.
I have done Ship Helicopter Limit Trials (SHOLs) in both the Sea King and Merlin.
Which is more capable - THE MERLIN
Which scared me the most - THE SEA KING
What is better at night in the pitch black with 4 metres of swell and 30ft of dec movement - THE MERLIN
The Merlin is second only to the Lynx in terms of ship compatibility and manoeuvreability.
The point made above about CVS and aircraft types hits it on the head. Prior to Merlin introduction to service as soon as the GR7s came on board the HAS 6 Sea Kings were kicked off to the RFA. Actually the RFA (both Wave Class and Fort Class) are better platforms and are better in nearly all respects than a CVS for a unit to operate from.
On a totally different note a colleague of mine recently serving with the Army in Bosnia told me how much they liked the Merlin on real ops in comparison to the Puma. He's not a pilot and drives ships for a living.
Merlin will carry on and beat the world whatever those who like to shoot crap at it form the ignorant outside may like to say.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Army in Bosnia told me how much they liked the Merlin on real ops in comparison to the Puma
What's this real ops **** anyway?
Merlin beat the world - only because the politicians say so - not its ability!
Merlin HM1 questions.....
Are we talking about the grey one or the green one? If its the former, then the operators are impressed by how capable the sensors are, and how well it handles on deck.
However.....
1. Is it possible or desirable for the Merlin to be fitted with the HMG pod, given the current threat from small surface craft?
2. Is it possible for the Type 23 Frigate to carry both a Merlin and a Lynx (for Sea Skua and machine gun capability)?
3. The Italians have armed their Merlins (or whatever they call them) with anti ship missiles. Will we do the same?
4. It is planned that out of sixteen T23s, only twelve will receive Merlin and the new 2087 towed array sonar. Given the ship handling problems associated with towed arrays, isn't Merlin a more serious thing to not get. Shouldn't they at least get Merlin?
5. Is the Junglie Sea King 4 replacement likely to be a Merlin, or is the V22 Osprey a contender?
6. Is Merlin or V22 more likely and/or more desirable for MASC?
7. Broadsheet 2003 mentions that RN aircraft did mine hunting sorties during Operation Telic. It does not say whether this was Lynx or Merlin? Surely no sane person would advocate looking for mines with a sonar suspended directly under the aircraft? Or would they? Or were they referring to an optical hunting role?
However.....
1. Is it possible or desirable for the Merlin to be fitted with the HMG pod, given the current threat from small surface craft?
2. Is it possible for the Type 23 Frigate to carry both a Merlin and a Lynx (for Sea Skua and machine gun capability)?
3. The Italians have armed their Merlins (or whatever they call them) with anti ship missiles. Will we do the same?
4. It is planned that out of sixteen T23s, only twelve will receive Merlin and the new 2087 towed array sonar. Given the ship handling problems associated with towed arrays, isn't Merlin a more serious thing to not get. Shouldn't they at least get Merlin?
5. Is the Junglie Sea King 4 replacement likely to be a Merlin, or is the V22 Osprey a contender?
6. Is Merlin or V22 more likely and/or more desirable for MASC?
7. Broadsheet 2003 mentions that RN aircraft did mine hunting sorties during Operation Telic. It does not say whether this was Lynx or Merlin? Surely no sane person would advocate looking for mines with a sonar suspended directly under the aircraft? Or would they? Or were they referring to an optical hunting role?
Last edited by WE Branch Fanatic; 4th Jun 2004 at 15:16.
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Twinact
Puma still has 6 years left.
Merlin can lift with 3.5 hours fuel and still lift a ton. The forthcoming upgrade will give it an extra ton on top.
I think you'll find that killing cattle to 'prevent' BSE has cost more than the procurement of the Merlin. Off topic, I know, but it's worth throwing in an obscure fact now and then
Puma still has 6 years left.
Merlin can lift with 3.5 hours fuel and still lift a ton. The forthcoming upgrade will give it an extra ton on top.
I think you'll find that killing cattle to 'prevent' BSE has cost more than the procurement of the Merlin. Off topic, I know, but it's worth throwing in an obscure fact now and then
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Sorry we got off the thread of the obsolete grey aircraft and started talking about the obsolete green ones.
My point is that a Chinook sized aircraft ought to be doing better than a Puma !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3.5 hours fuel and it can only lift 10 men - Jesus Christ, that's hardly impressive for 3 engines and millions of pounds.
Puma OSD? Will you take bets on 6 years?
My point is that a Chinook sized aircraft ought to be doing better than a Puma !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3.5 hours fuel and it can only lift 10 men - Jesus Christ, that's hardly impressive for 3 engines and millions of pounds.
Puma OSD? Will you take bets on 6 years?