AW101 Merlin HC.3
AgustaWestland / Leonardo · United Kingdom · first flew 2000 · helicopter
The Merlin HC.3 is the RAF's medium-lift troop transport variant, identifiable by its olive-drab finish, large cabin windows, and the absence of anti-submarine equipment fitted to the naval HM.2.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large square troop cabin windows along the rear fuselage; HM.2 has no windows in the sonar-equipment section |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Olive drab or dark green camouflage, non-folding tail — contrasts with HM.2's grey naval scheme and folding tail
- Large square troop cabin windows along the rear fuselage; HM.2 has no windows in the sonar-equipment section
- Rear loading ramp with large cargo door; no dipping sonar housing beneath the fuselage
Distinguished from the HM.2 by camouflage finish, non-folding tail, cabin windows, and lack of sonar/sonobuoy equipment. All Merlin marks share the characteristic five-blade rotor and three-engine sponsons that set them apart from twin-engine types like the Sea King.
Specifications
- The AW101 Merlin HC.3 has a length of 22.81 m (75 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.59 m (61 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 309 km/h (192 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots + 1 crewman + 24 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The RAF received its first HC.3 in 2000 to replace the Puma HC.1 in the support helicopter role, operated by 28 Squadron at Benson initially; subsequent squadrons at Benson took on the type as Puma numbers declined. The HC.4 variant is the Royal Navy's version of the same airframe for commando assault.
Variants
The HC.3A introduced upgraded defensive aids and cockpit improvements; 846 NAS operates the HC.4 under the same designation series. The commercial AW101 is sold as the AW101 to non-UK customers.
Where you'll see it
Nos. 28 and 78 Squadrons RAF operate from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, providing medium-lift support across the UK and on operations; the type has served in Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands.
Related aircraft
- Leonardo AW149
- AW101 Merlin HM.2
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal
- Eurocopter EC225 / EC725
- Schweizer S-333
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