Air and ground crew prepare to flight test the 814 NAS special 'Tiger' marked aircraft at RNAS Yeovilton, its deployed ground base.

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

Normally kept out of sight, in keeping with the softly-softly approach, marine sniper team personnel augmented each Merlin flight to deliver a range of 'maritime stop', should it be required, including the M3M 0.5-inch machine gun seen here during a low pass over HMS Bulwark.

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

The Merlin's large cockpit is like a greenhouse when the sun is out so, to guard against heat-induced fatigue, flying crews were swapped to ensure everyone shared hours airborne and on deck-alert.

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

For the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, 814 NAS Merlins provided Dorset Police with continuous airborne surveillance of Weymouth Bay to aid the situational awareness of its team and to protect the events. Key to this task was the Wescam MX-15 electro-optical camera (left side of the aircraft) used to investigate contacts in and around the bay.

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

A Merlin maintained at RNAS Yeovilton on 30 minute alert status is captured departing swiftly to make the short journey to Weymouth.

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

Job done! No.814 NAS ground crew walk away having safely secured two of their Merlins aboard HMS Bulwark during a brief respite when lack of wind temporarily stopped the Olympic sailing events.

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

The Merlin HM2 continues to receive upgrades to enhance its capabilities in addition to Crowsnest. These include a new traffic avoidance system and updates to the defensive aids suite.
Each day two Merlins departed Yeovilton at 0730, arriving over Weymouth Bay approximately 15 minutes later. One aircraft would embark HMS Bulwark to adopt its high readiness stance while the second aircraft, shown here, was immediately tasked to sweep Weymouth Bay for anything of interest using the MX-15 camera and radar.

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

'Maritime stop' and 'show of force' available to Merlin crew ranged from displaying a 'STOP' warning sign to showing and using a range of weapons including the M3M 0.5-inch machine gun.

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

The 0.5 calibre M3M machine gun provides a hefty punch for the Mk2's force protection role.

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

During a brief respite at RNAS Yeovilton, 814 NAS air and ground crew posed for a team photo with an Olympic Torch carried by the author in Reading on July 11, 2012 during the Torch Relay.

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