• Engines: Three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM 322 turbines
• Thrust: 2263nm
• Max speed: 167kts
• Length: 22.8m
• Max altitude: 15,000ft
• Rotar blade span: 18.6m
• Aircrew: 4

Equipment

The HC3 has one of the most comprehensive defensive-aids suites fitted to any helicopter in the world. The impressive onboard defense system includes:

• Radar and Laser Warning Receiver.
• Missile Approach Warners.
• Directional Infrared Countermeasures equipment.
• An automatic Chaff and Fare Dispensing System.

The Merlin is also armed with two general purpose machine guns, extended range fuel tanks capable of air-to-air refuelling, and a laser-gyro, inertial-navigation platform.

Uses

The Merlin is able to carry a diverse range of bulky cargo, either internally or under-slung. Cargo can include artillery, Land Rovers or light-strike vehicles and over five tonnes of freight. The spacious cabin can also accommodate a troop of up to 24 fully equipped combat soldiers.

Its other remarkable functions include:

• A convertable cabin, which when required can be made to carry 16 stretchers for casualty evacuation or during humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
• An active vibration-damping system, which reduces the level of noise and vibration in the cabin to a level no greater than that of a turboprop aircraft – in turn reducing crew fatigue and increasing airframe life.