The newly-formed Merlin Carrier Air Group taxiing out for departure for Exercise Deep Blue - its first deployment

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

Ship deck crew welcome two HM2s aboard HMS Illustrious during the recent Exercise Joint Warrior.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

The nine Merlin HM2s depart RNAS Culdrose for Exercise Deep Blue.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

De-humidification under way on an 820 NAS HM2 below deck on HMS Illustrious during Exercise Joint Warrior in April 2014.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

Sonobuoys being prepared for use aboard HMS Illustrious during Exercise Joint Warrior.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

An 824 NAS HM2 practising confined area landing operations, an essential part of the work-up for both shipborne and secondary role operations, near RNAS Culdrose.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

An 824 NAS HM2 during a recent training mission over Cornwall.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

HM1s arrived for upgrade at AgustaWestland's facility, Yeovil, UK from RNAS Culdrose approximately every six weeks - the task taking around nine months for each.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

The Rockwell Collins glass cockpit, with its five 10in x 8in (254 x 203mm) displays, is a key feature of the night vision goggle-compatible HM2.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

The HM2’s rear crew can process information, attack multiple targets above and below the surface and disseminate this information via Link-11 data links more quickly than in the HM1.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987

RNAS Culdrose 4 The cockpit dynamic simulator is part of the advanced training facilities at Culdrose. Lockheed Martin

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Agusta Westland AW.101 / EH-101 Merlin - InternationalInternational - 1987