AW101 Merlin

The AW101 Merlin is a foundational military utility medium lift helicopter, used by various global air forces and navies, including the Royal Navy which refers to its variant as the Merlin. It is a three-engine, multi-role aircraft known for its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, troop transport, and search and rescue missions.

The manufacturing history of this aircraft begins with a joint venture named EH Industries, formed in 1984 by Italy’s Agusta and Britain’s Westland Helicopters. The program was developed to meet a 1977 UK Ministry of Defence requirement for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The AW101 first flew in 1987 and entered service around 1999. The helicopter is produced in factories located in Yeovil, England, and Vergiate, Italy.

The manufacturer is now Leonardo, a global aerospace and defense company. Leonardo succeeded AgustaWestland, which itself was the result of consolidating the original British and Italian aviation companies. Access solutions are available to assist with maintenance on various sections of the aircraft, including the Nose Section (Radome, Antenna, Avionics, Cockpit), the Forward Fuselage (Cabin Access, ECS), the Landing Gear, the Wing & Engine Pylon (Engine, Hydraulics, Fuel Tanks), and the Tail Section (APU and Empennage).