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EspañolAGUSTAWESTLAND EH101
(Redirected from EH101)
The 'AgustaWestland EH101' ('AW101' from June 2007) is a medium-lift helicopter for military applications but also marketed for civil use. The helicopter was developed as a joint venture between Westland Aircraft in the UK and Agusta in Italy (now merged as AgustaWestland).
The designation "EH101" is a typographical error that stuck: the aircraft was originally designated EHI (European Helicopter Industries) - 01. The aircraft is manufactured at the AgustaWestland factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate in Italy.
In 1977, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Royal Navy's Westland Sea Kings. Westland responded with design 'WG.34' that was approved for development. Meanwhile, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) was also seeking a replacement for its (Agusta-built) Sea Kings, leading Agusta to discussions with Westland about the possibility of a joint development. This culminated in the joint venture being finalised in November 1979 and a new company (EH Industries) being formed to manage the project the following year. EHI is an abbreviation for ''European Helicopter Industries''. As the design studies progressed, EHI became aware of a broader market for an aircraft with the same capabilities required by the British and Italian navies, leading to a more generalised design that could be customised. After a lengthy development, the first prototype flew on October 9 1987. EHI no longer exists, having been incorporated into the parent when the two companies merged. In June 2007, the EH101 was re-branded as the AW101 to reflect this.[1]
The modular aluminium-lithium alloy fuselage structure is damage and crash resistant, with multiple primary and secondary load paths. Active vibration control of the structural response (ACSR) uses a vibration-canceling technique to reduce the stress on the airframe. The EH101 is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 degrees C. High flotation tyres permit operation from soft or rough terrain.
The cockpit is fitted with armoured seats for the crew, and can withstand an impact velocity of over 10 m/s. Dual flight controls are provided, though the EH-101 can be flown by a single person. The pilot's instrument displays include six full colour high-definition screens and an optional mission display. A digital map and Forward Looking Infrared system display can also be installed.
The military version of the EH101 is powered by either three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshafts (UK, Japan, Denmark and Portugal), or three 1,491 kW General Electric CT7-6 turboshafts (Italy, Canada, Japan TMP). Engine inlet particle separator systems provide protection when operating in sandy environments. Each engine is supplied by a separate self-sealing fuel tank using dual booster pumps. Each tank holds 1,074 litres of fuel. A fourth tank acts as a reservoir supply, topping up the main tanks during flight. A fifth transfer tank can be added to increase range, as can airborne refueling. The engines power an 18.59 metre diameter five bladed main rotor. The rotor blades are constructed from carbon/glass with nomex honeycomb and rohacell foam, edged with titanium alloy. Computer control of the engines allows the EH101 to hover reliably in winds of over 80 km/h.
A chin FLIR is fitted to some variants. The EH101 is equipped with chaff and flare dispensers, directed infrared countermeasures, infrared jammers, missile approach warners, and a laser detection and warning system. EH101 has 2 hard points for weapon carriers. The HM Mk1 model can carry 4 Sting Ray torpedoes or Mk 11 Mod 3 depth charges, though at present cannot use Sea Skua missile.
The military version EH101 can accommodate 24 seated or 45 standing combat troops and their equipment. Alternative loads include a medical team and 16 stretchers, and cargo pallets. The cabin floor and rear ramp are fitted with flush tie-down points, a roller conveyor for palletized freight and a cargo winch. The ramp can take a 3,050 kg load, allowing it to carry vehicles such as Land Rovers. A cargo hook under the fuselage can carry external loads of 5,440 kg. A rescue hoist and a hover trim controller are fitted at the cargo door.
The navigation system includes a GPS and inertial navigation system, VHF Omnidirectional Radio range (VOR) instrument landing system (ILS), tactical air navigation (TACAN) and automatic direction finding. The EH101 is equipped with helicopter management, avionics and mission systems linked by two 1553B multiplex databuses. A Smiths Industries OMI SEP 20 automatic flight control system provides dual redundant digital control, giving autostabilisation and four-axis auto-pilot operation.
The RN's final order was for 44 ASW machines, originally designated 'Merlin HAS.1' but soon changed to 'Merlin HM1'. The first fully operational Merlin was delivered on May 17 1997, entering service on June 2 2000. All aircraft were delivered by the end of 2002, and are operated by 5 Fleet Air Arm squadrons, all based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall: 814 NAS, 820 NAS, 824 NAS, 829 NAS, and 700M NAS.
In March 2004 RN Merlins were grounded following an incident at RNAS Culdrose when the tail rotor failed on one of the Merlins. Investigations later revealed that this was a result of poor manufacturing of the tail rotor hub. .[2] Flights resumed the following year.
To date, eight Type 23 frigates have been refitted to accept the Merlin HM1, HM Ships ''Somerset'', ''Lancaster'', ''Monmouth'', ''Westminster'', ''Northumberland'', ''Kent'', ''Richmond'', and ''Portland'', although the squadron that operates Merlins from frigates, 829 NAS, currently only has 6 individual 'flights'. The Merlin HM1 has also been cleared to operate from the Royal Navy's Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Assault Ships and a number of RFA vessels including the Fort Victoria Class. The UK is considering the Merlin as a replacement for the Westland Sea King ASaC7 in the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) role.
RAF ordered 22 transport helicopters designated 'Merlin HC3', the first of which entered service on December 11 2000.
The Merlin HC3 is operated by No. 28 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Benson. The type is equipped with extended range fuel tanks and is capable of air-to-air refueling, however due to the lack of a suitable UK tanker aircraft, this capability is not cleared for use. It also differs from the Royal Navy version by having double wheel main landing gear, where as the RN version only has a single wheel on each of the main gears.
The first operational deployment was to the Balkans in early 2003. They are currently deployed to southern Iraq as part of Operation Telic.
To alleviate a shortfall in operational helicopters the British Ministry of Defence acquired 6 Merlins from Denmark in 2007. The first two helicopters are with AgustaWestland at Yeovil for British modifications and will be delivered to the RAF as the 'Merlin HC3A'. As part of the deal the UK Ministry of Defence has ordered six new-build replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force.
The Italian Government has signed a contract to procure 20 (+ 4 options) EH101 helicopters that will be delivered to the Italian Navy in the following variants [1]:
★ 8 anti-surface and anti-submarine (ASW)
★ 4 (+2) early-warning (AEW)
★ 4 utility aircraft
★ 4 (+2) ASH (Amphibious Support Helicopter)
The first Italian Navy production helicopter (M.M.I. 01) was first flown on 4 October 1999 and was officially presented to the Press on 6 December 1999 at the Agusta factory. Delivery to the Italian Navy started at the beginning of 2001, finish on 2006. AEW version are in trials. Italian EH101 operate from major surface units, aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ship.
Main articles: CH-149 Cormorant
In 1998, the Canadian government announced that the CH-113s would now be replaced by a new search-and-rescue variant of the EH101, carrying the designation 'CH-149 Cormorant'. Unlike the Petrel/Chimo contract, these 15 aircraft were to be built entirely in Europe. The first two aircraft arrived in Canada in September 2001 and entered service the following year.
In 2001 Royal Danish Air Force announced the purchase of EH101 for SAR duties (8 units) and tactical troop transport (another 6 units) in 2001. The last of the 14 EH101's was delivered March 1st 2007 and the first SAR EH101 are due to become operational late April 2007. The Danish Mk 512 have a MTOW of 15600 kg.[3]
In 2007 the British Ministry of Defence acquired the six troop transport Merlins to alleviate a shortfall in British operational helicopters. In exchange the British have ordered 6 new-build helicopters from AgustaWestland as replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force.
Main articles: VH-71 Kestrel
In 2001 AgustaWestland signed a deal with Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter Textron to market the aircraft in the US under the designation 'US101'. It competed for and won the VIP and "Marine One" Presidential transport roles currently carried out by H-3 Sea King or the smaller VH-60 White Hawk. In doing so, it beat the Sikorsky H-92 Super Hawk, and became the first non-Sikorsky helicopter to fulfill the Marine One role since 1957. The order is for 23 aircraft, to equip the Marine One squadron, HMX-1. The US101 will be built in the United States and fitted with largely American systems and equipment, plus the General Electric turboshafts as used on the Italian variants. These aircraft will be given the military designation 'VH-71A Kestrel'.[4]
The Portuguese Air Force uses, since February 24, 2005, EH101 helicopters in transport, search and rescue and maritime surveillance missions. The 12 aircraft progressly succeeded the Aérospatiale Puma in those missions. The Portuguese Air Force EH101 have three versions: SAR - search and rescue, CSAR - combat search and rescue and SIFICAP - fisheries surveillance sistem. The Portuguese Merlins are the only to be painted in a tactical green and brown camouflage.
The main mission of the Portuguese EH101 is the search and rescue in the enormous maritime zone of Portugal. There are always EH101 in alert in three bases: Montijo (near Lisbon, in the Portuguese main land), Lajes (in Azores islands) and Porto Santo (in Madeira islands).
;
★ The Canadian Forces ordered 15 helicopters as a replacement for ageing CH-113s in SAR duties under CH-149 Cormorant designation. The first two aircraft arrived in Canada in September 2001 and entered service the following year.
;
★ Royal Danish Air Force received 8 helicopters for SAR duties and 6 helicopters for tactical troop transport. The last of the 14 EH101's was delivered March 1st 2007 and the first SAR EH101 are due to become operational late April 2007.
;
★ Italian Navy received 20 helicopters for ASW (anti-surface and anti-submarine), AEW (early-warning), utility and ASH (Amphibious Support Helicopter) duties. All aircraft were delivered between 2001 and 2006.
;
★ Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ordered 14 aircraft in 2003 to use in both the MCM (Mine Cleaning Mission) and transport role. 'MCH-101' is going to replace MH-53E, for MCM and S-61, in a support role of the Japanese Antarctic observations.
;
★ Portuguese Air Force acquired[5] 12 aircraft in three different versions: 6 in SAR, 4 in CSAR and 2 in SIFICAP (Fisheries Control) configurations. All versions are NVG capable, the CSAR versions adding a "Defensive Aids Suite" (DAS), weapons carriage and "Air to Air Refueling" (AAR), while the SIFICAP carries the APS-717P radar.
;
★ Royal Navy ordered 44 Merlin HM.1 ASW helicopters. The first was delivered on May 17 1997, entering service on June 2 2000. All aircraft were delivered by the end of 2002.
★ Royal Air Force ordered 22 transport helicopters designated Merlin HC.3, the first of which entered service on December 11 2000.
★
★ No. 28 Squadron RAF, RAF Benson
;
★ United States Marine Corps ordered 23 helicopters designated VH-71A Kestrel for the VIP and "Marine One" Presidential transport duties.
★
★ HMX-1 Marine One Squadron
;:
★ Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department became the first civil customer for the type when they purchased a single example in 1998.
★ Throughout its service, the EH101 and its variants have been plagued by tail rotor hub cracking issues. A British Merlin crashed on March 30, 2004 due to tail rotor hub cracking.
★ In June 2007, during an airshow in the Irish city of Galway, a door detached from a hovering RAF Merlin and fell into the crowd of spectators below injuring three people [6]. Investigators have concluded ''...that a member(s) of the public had tampered with an emergency door handle, while the helicopter was being viewed at the static display park''[7].
1. Rotorcraft Report: AgustaWestland
2. Probe continues into Merlin crash, BBC
3. http://www.agustawestland.com/dindoc/EH101_Utility_July%2006_EH060609(1).pdf
4. A New Presidential Ride, Popular Science
5. , Wikinews
6. Three hurt at airshow after chopper door falls into crowd by Brian McDonald, Irish Independent, 25th July 2007
7. http://www.aaiu.ie/AAIUviewitem.asp?id=9408&lang=ENG&loc=1652
★ AgustaWestland website
★ EH101 VVIP
★ EH101 Martime
★ EH101 SAR
★ EH101 Utility
★ US101
★ Lockheed-Martin/Augusta-Westland/Bell-Textron Team US101 website
★ Lockheed-Martin Official US101 website
★ ''HMS Somerset'' embarks Merlin
★ Royal Navy Merlin HM1 page
★ RAF Merlin HC3 page
★ Canadian Air Force page
★ Portuguese Air Force Official Website
★ Area Militar - Unnofficial PALOP Military Website
★ EH101 Merlin Close-up Image Gallery
The 'AgustaWestland EH101' ('AW101' from June 2007) is a medium-lift helicopter for military applications but also marketed for civil use. The helicopter was developed as a joint venture between Westland Aircraft in the UK and Agusta in Italy (now merged as AgustaWestland).
The designation "EH101" is a typographical error that stuck: the aircraft was originally designated EHI (European Helicopter Industries) - 01. The aircraft is manufactured at the AgustaWestland factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate in Italy.
Development
In 1977, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a requirement for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Royal Navy's Westland Sea Kings. Westland responded with design 'WG.34' that was approved for development. Meanwhile, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) was also seeking a replacement for its (Agusta-built) Sea Kings, leading Agusta to discussions with Westland about the possibility of a joint development. This culminated in the joint venture being finalised in November 1979 and a new company (EH Industries) being formed to manage the project the following year. EHI is an abbreviation for ''European Helicopter Industries''. As the design studies progressed, EHI became aware of a broader market for an aircraft with the same capabilities required by the British and Italian navies, leading to a more generalised design that could be customised. After a lengthy development, the first prototype flew on October 9 1987. EHI no longer exists, having been incorporated into the parent when the two companies merged. In June 2007, the EH101 was re-branded as the AW101 to reflect this.[1]
Design
The modular aluminium-lithium alloy fuselage structure is damage and crash resistant, with multiple primary and secondary load paths. Active vibration control of the structural response (ACSR) uses a vibration-canceling technique to reduce the stress on the airframe. The EH101 is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 degrees C. High flotation tyres permit operation from soft or rough terrain.
The cockpit is fitted with armoured seats for the crew, and can withstand an impact velocity of over 10 m/s. Dual flight controls are provided, though the EH-101 can be flown by a single person. The pilot's instrument displays include six full colour high-definition screens and an optional mission display. A digital map and Forward Looking Infrared system display can also be installed.
Propulsion
The military version of the EH101 is powered by either three Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshafts (UK, Japan, Denmark and Portugal), or three 1,491 kW General Electric CT7-6 turboshafts (Italy, Canada, Japan TMP). Engine inlet particle separator systems provide protection when operating in sandy environments. Each engine is supplied by a separate self-sealing fuel tank using dual booster pumps. Each tank holds 1,074 litres of fuel. A fourth tank acts as a reservoir supply, topping up the main tanks during flight. A fifth transfer tank can be added to increase range, as can airborne refueling. The engines power an 18.59 metre diameter five bladed main rotor. The rotor blades are constructed from carbon/glass with nomex honeycomb and rohacell foam, edged with titanium alloy. Computer control of the engines allows the EH101 to hover reliably in winds of over 80 km/h.
Weapons
A chin FLIR is fitted to some variants. The EH101 is equipped with chaff and flare dispensers, directed infrared countermeasures, infrared jammers, missile approach warners, and a laser detection and warning system. EH101 has 2 hard points for weapon carriers. The HM Mk1 model can carry 4 Sting Ray torpedoes or Mk 11 Mod 3 depth charges, though at present cannot use Sea Skua missile.
Cargo Systems
The military version EH101 can accommodate 24 seated or 45 standing combat troops and their equipment. Alternative loads include a medical team and 16 stretchers, and cargo pallets. The cabin floor and rear ramp are fitted with flush tie-down points, a roller conveyor for palletized freight and a cargo winch. The ramp can take a 3,050 kg load, allowing it to carry vehicles such as Land Rovers. A cargo hook under the fuselage can carry external loads of 5,440 kg. A rescue hoist and a hover trim controller are fitted at the cargo door.
Avionics
The navigation system includes a GPS and inertial navigation system, VHF Omnidirectional Radio range (VOR) instrument landing system (ILS), tactical air navigation (TACAN) and automatic direction finding. The EH101 is equipped with helicopter management, avionics and mission systems linked by two 1553B multiplex databuses. A Smiths Industries OMI SEP 20 automatic flight control system provides dual redundant digital control, giving autostabilisation and four-axis auto-pilot operation.
Operational history
A Royal Navy Merlin HM1 at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, Gloucestershire, England
Royal Navy
The RN's final order was for 44 ASW machines, originally designated 'Merlin HAS.1' but soon changed to 'Merlin HM1'. The first fully operational Merlin was delivered on May 17 1997, entering service on June 2 2000. All aircraft were delivered by the end of 2002, and are operated by 5 Fleet Air Arm squadrons, all based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall: 814 NAS, 820 NAS, 824 NAS, 829 NAS, and 700M NAS.
In March 2004 RN Merlins were grounded following an incident at RNAS Culdrose when the tail rotor failed on one of the Merlins. Investigations later revealed that this was a result of poor manufacturing of the tail rotor hub. .[2] Flights resumed the following year.
To date, eight Type 23 frigates have been refitted to accept the Merlin HM1, HM Ships ''Somerset'', ''Lancaster'', ''Monmouth'', ''Westminster'', ''Northumberland'', ''Kent'', ''Richmond'', and ''Portland'', although the squadron that operates Merlins from frigates, 829 NAS, currently only has 6 individual 'flights'. The Merlin HM1 has also been cleared to operate from the Royal Navy's Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Assault Ships and a number of RFA vessels including the Fort Victoria Class. The UK is considering the Merlin as a replacement for the Westland Sea King ASaC7 in the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) role.
Royal Air Force
A British Merlin in Iraq during 2005
RAF ordered 22 transport helicopters designated 'Merlin HC3', the first of which entered service on December 11 2000.
The Merlin HC3 is operated by No. 28 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Benson. The type is equipped with extended range fuel tanks and is capable of air-to-air refueling, however due to the lack of a suitable UK tanker aircraft, this capability is not cleared for use. It also differs from the Royal Navy version by having double wheel main landing gear, where as the RN version only has a single wheel on each of the main gears.
The first operational deployment was to the Balkans in early 2003. They are currently deployed to southern Iraq as part of Operation Telic.
To alleviate a shortfall in operational helicopters the British Ministry of Defence acquired 6 Merlins from Denmark in 2007. The first two helicopters are with AgustaWestland at Yeovil for British modifications and will be delivered to the RAF as the 'Merlin HC3A'. As part of the deal the UK Ministry of Defence has ordered six new-build replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force.
Italian Navy
The Italian Government has signed a contract to procure 20 (+ 4 options) EH101 helicopters that will be delivered to the Italian Navy in the following variants [1]:
★ 8 anti-surface and anti-submarine (ASW)
★ 4 (+2) early-warning (AEW)
★ 4 utility aircraft
★ 4 (+2) ASH (Amphibious Support Helicopter)
The first Italian Navy production helicopter (M.M.I. 01) was first flown on 4 October 1999 and was officially presented to the Press on 6 December 1999 at the Agusta factory. Delivery to the Italian Navy started at the beginning of 2001, finish on 2006. AEW version are in trials. Italian EH101 operate from major surface units, aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ship.
Canadian Forces
Main articles: CH-149 Cormorant
In 1998, the Canadian government announced that the CH-113s would now be replaced by a new search-and-rescue variant of the EH101, carrying the designation 'CH-149 Cormorant'. Unlike the Petrel/Chimo contract, these 15 aircraft were to be built entirely in Europe. The first two aircraft arrived in Canada in September 2001 and entered service the following year.
Royal Danish Air Force
In 2001 Royal Danish Air Force announced the purchase of EH101 for SAR duties (8 units) and tactical troop transport (another 6 units) in 2001. The last of the 14 EH101's was delivered March 1st 2007 and the first SAR EH101 are due to become operational late April 2007. The Danish Mk 512 have a MTOW of 15600 kg.[3]
In 2007 the British Ministry of Defence acquired the six troop transport Merlins to alleviate a shortfall in British operational helicopters. In exchange the British have ordered 6 new-build helicopters from AgustaWestland as replacements for the Royal Danish Air Force.
United States Marine Corps
Main articles: VH-71 Kestrel
In 2001 AgustaWestland signed a deal with Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter Textron to market the aircraft in the US under the designation 'US101'. It competed for and won the VIP and "Marine One" Presidential transport roles currently carried out by H-3 Sea King or the smaller VH-60 White Hawk. In doing so, it beat the Sikorsky H-92 Super Hawk, and became the first non-Sikorsky helicopter to fulfill the Marine One role since 1957. The order is for 23 aircraft, to equip the Marine One squadron, HMX-1. The US101 will be built in the United States and fitted with largely American systems and equipment, plus the General Electric turboshafts as used on the Italian variants. These aircraft will be given the military designation 'VH-71A Kestrel'.[4]
Portuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force uses, since February 24, 2005, EH101 helicopters in transport, search and rescue and maritime surveillance missions. The 12 aircraft progressly succeeded the Aérospatiale Puma in those missions. The Portuguese Air Force EH101 have three versions: SAR - search and rescue, CSAR - combat search and rescue and SIFICAP - fisheries surveillance sistem. The Portuguese Merlins are the only to be painted in a tactical green and brown camouflage.
The main mission of the Portuguese EH101 is the search and rescue in the enormous maritime zone of Portugal. There are always EH101 in alert in three bases: Montijo (near Lisbon, in the Portuguese main land), Lajes (in Azores islands) and Porto Santo (in Madeira islands).
Operators
Canadian CH-149 Cormorant
''Rescue 09'' a Danish Air Force Search and Rescue EH101
Japanese MCH-101
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department EH101
Military operators
;
★ The Canadian Forces ordered 15 helicopters as a replacement for ageing CH-113s in SAR duties under CH-149 Cormorant designation. The first two aircraft arrived in Canada in September 2001 and entered service the following year.
;
★ Royal Danish Air Force received 8 helicopters for SAR duties and 6 helicopters for tactical troop transport. The last of the 14 EH101's was delivered March 1st 2007 and the first SAR EH101 are due to become operational late April 2007.
;
★ Italian Navy received 20 helicopters for ASW (anti-surface and anti-submarine), AEW (early-warning), utility and ASH (Amphibious Support Helicopter) duties. All aircraft were delivered between 2001 and 2006.
;
★ Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ordered 14 aircraft in 2003 to use in both the MCM (Mine Cleaning Mission) and transport role. 'MCH-101' is going to replace MH-53E, for MCM and S-61, in a support role of the Japanese Antarctic observations.
;
★ Portuguese Air Force acquired[5] 12 aircraft in three different versions: 6 in SAR, 4 in CSAR and 2 in SIFICAP (Fisheries Control) configurations. All versions are NVG capable, the CSAR versions adding a "Defensive Aids Suite" (DAS), weapons carriage and "Air to Air Refueling" (AAR), while the SIFICAP carries the APS-717P radar.
;
★ Royal Navy ordered 44 Merlin HM.1 ASW helicopters. The first was delivered on May 17 1997, entering service on June 2 2000. All aircraft were delivered by the end of 2002.
★ Royal Air Force ordered 22 transport helicopters designated Merlin HC.3, the first of which entered service on December 11 2000.
★
★ No. 28 Squadron RAF, RAF Benson
;
★ United States Marine Corps ordered 23 helicopters designated VH-71A Kestrel for the VIP and "Marine One" Presidential transport duties.
★
★ HMX-1 Marine One Squadron
Law enforcement operators
;:
★ Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department became the first civil customer for the type when they purchased a single example in 1998.
Incidents
★ Throughout its service, the EH101 and its variants have been plagued by tail rotor hub cracking issues. A British Merlin crashed on March 30, 2004 due to tail rotor hub cracking.
★ In June 2007, during an airshow in the Irish city of Galway, a door detached from a hovering RAF Merlin and fell into the crowd of spectators below injuring three people [6]. Investigators have concluded ''...that a member(s) of the public had tampered with an emergency door handle, while the helicopter was being viewed at the static display park''[7].
Specifications (Merlin HM1)
References
1. Rotorcraft Report: AgustaWestland
2. Probe continues into Merlin crash, BBC
3. http://www.agustawestland.com/dindoc/EH101_Utility_July%2006_EH060609(1).pdf
4. A New Presidential Ride, Popular Science
5. , Wikinews
6. Three hurt at airshow after chopper door falls into crowd by Brian McDonald, Irish Independent, 25th July 2007
7. http://www.aaiu.ie/AAIUviewitem.asp?id=9408&lang=ENG&loc=1652
External links
★ AgustaWestland website
★ EH101 VVIP
★ EH101 Martime
★ EH101 SAR
★ EH101 Utility
★ US101
★ Lockheed-Martin/Augusta-Westland/Bell-Textron Team US101 website
★ Lockheed-Martin Official US101 website
★ ''HMS Somerset'' embarks Merlin
★ Royal Navy Merlin HM1 page
★ RAF Merlin HC3 page
★ Canadian Air Force page
★ Portuguese Air Force Official Website
★ Area Militar - Unnofficial PALOP Military Website
★ EH101 Merlin Close-up Image Gallery
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