AW101
IOC: 1998
Total Production: 175
Total Program's Cost: USD$9.3 billion
EH101
IOC: 2000
Production: 63
Unitary Cost: USD$27 million
Also Known As
AW101 Merlin Mk3A (version equipped with BERP IV technology main rotor blades)
EH101 Merlin Mk 3
HH-71 (version developed for the US Air Force CSAR-X program)
Merlin HC MK3
Origin
Italy
United Kingdom
Contractor/s
AgustaWestland
Applications
Absalon
F370
Family Members
EH101 Cormorant
EH101 Merlin
US101
Power plant:
Kestrel
RTM322-02/8 Mk250 (3)
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Description:
The EH101 is a long range, medium lift helicopter designed to perform a wide range of missions. The EH101 has been designed to perform naval warfare missions (ASW and ASuW), search and rescue, and military utility missions. In addition, a EH101 derivative for the civilian markets has also been offered.
The EH101 helicopter is powered by 3 engines (RTM322 or T700), has a 5-blade main rotor, integrated sub-systems, single pilot full glass cockpit, and can be armed with 4 torpedoes or 2 long range missiles. It will feature reduced life cycle costs, maintainability, and high reliability due to its 3 engines. Merlin helicopters provide day/night, all-weather conditions operation with an maximum flight endurance of 5 hours.
The first EH101 helicopter entered service in 2000. It has been selected by the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada with more than 120 aircraft ordered to date. EH101 helicopters will operate from Horizon-class, type 22 and type 23 frigates, type 45 destroyers, Invincible, CVF, and Andrea Doria aircraft carriers as well as various types of amphibious assault ships.
Merlin HC MK3 is the Royal Air Force (RAF) designation for the EH101 utility helicopter. It has been designed to perform medical evacuation, logistic support, troops transport and search and rescue missions. It features a rear ramp for rapid load/unload of troops, cargo and vehicles. An optional air-to-air refueling probe can be installed to extend the range of the EH101 utility helicopter. Small caliber guns can be installed on the Merlin to provide fire support capability.
The United Kingdom ordered 22 Merlin HC MK3 helicopters to fill the gap between the Chinook and Cougar helicopters. Japan ordered 5 EH101 civilian helicopters. Italy, Denmark and Portugal ordered 4, 14, and 12 helicopters respectively.
On December 22, 2004, AgustaWestland delivered the first of 12 EH101 Merlin helicopters was handed over to Portugal. These helicopters were intended for search and rescue (SAR) missions and combat SAR as well as transport/utility tasks. The 12th and final EH101 was delivered by AgustaWestland to the Portuguese Air Force in mid-July 2006.
On January 11, 2005, EH101 program reached an important milestone when the first EH101 helicopter equipped with an all-electric primary flight control system, including electro-mechanical actuators, rolled out of the AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil in the United Kingdom.
In early March 2006 the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) awarded the Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) contract to AgustaWestland. IMOS contract provides logistics support for Royal Navy's EH101 Merlin HM Mk.1 and Royal Air Force Merlin HC Mk.3 helicopter fleets for a 25-year period. The initial contract was valued at £450 million covering the first five years. This initiative was called to increase Merlin availability while delivering support costs savings of approximately £1 billion through to the type out of service date planned for 2029 (Mk.1)/2030 (Mk.3).
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 40
Dimensions: Height 6.6 m, Length 19.6 m, Main Rotor Diameter 18.6 m, Width 5.7 m
Weights: Max Weight 14,600 kg (32,187 lb), Min Weight 8,910 kg (19,643 lb), Payload 5,690 kg (12,544 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 4,572 m (15,000 ft), Cruise Speed 77 mps (278 kph), Endurance 5 hours, Max Range 1,000 km (540 nm), Top Speed 86 mps (309 kph)
Power: Power 6,810 shp
Other: Main Rotor Blades 5, Number of Engines 3
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Denmark / 14 
Italy / 4 
Japan / 5 
Portugal / 12 
United Kingdom / 28 
Royal Air Force's EH 101 helicopters purchased from AgustaWestland (22) and Denmark (6 Merlin Mk3A)