Merlin HC3 is the first of the next generation of medium support helicopters for the RAF. Twenty two of the aircraft will enter RAF service as replacements for the Wessex with No. 28 Squadron at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire. Early aircraft will be unarmed, but there is a future requirement to fit the aircraft with stub wings enabling anti-armour or air-to-air missiles and rocket pods to be carried. Studies have also been made to fit Merlin with a nose turret and 0.5 inch machine gun, and machine guns on pintles at the door positions. A first for the RAF helicopter fleet is the fitting of an air-to-air refuelling probe which will greatly increase the aircraft's range and reduced deployment times. The Merlin is equipped with active vibration damping control, which means the level of noise and vibration inside the cabin is no greater than in a turboprop aircraft. As a result, crew fatigue is much reduced, and airframe life is increased.

Powerplant: Three Rolls-Royce / Turbomeca RTM 322 three shaft turbines of 2,312 shp each

Rotor Diameter: 61ft (18.59m)

Length: 74ft 10in (22.81m)

Max Speed: 192mph (309km/h)

Accommodation: Two pilots on the flight deck and up to 35 combat equipped troops or 16 stretchers plus a medical team.

Recognition: Tall, wide cabin tapering into a large tail fin. The underside of the taper is a large rear-loading cargo door. The engine housing is prominent and enhances the square look of the main fuselage. The tricycle undercarriage retracts, the nosewheel into the fuselage, the main gear into the two large fuselage sponsons. Very prominent at the front of the aircraft is the air-to-air refuelling probe.