First Merlin Mk2 helicopter lands on HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.

The first Merlin Helicopter today touched down on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales off the Scottish coast. Not 24 hours after the second of the UK’s new aircraft carriers sailed into open waters for the first time, a Merlin helicopter was guided safely into land on the expansive deck.

A Merlin Mk2 helicopter on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. (Picture source Royal British Navy)

For the first time in 50 years the announcement: “Hands to Flying Stations” echoed throughout the 280-meter-long warship and specialist aircraft handlers, who’ve spent the past year practicing for this day on a replica flight deck on land at Culdrose in Cornwall, readied to welcome the helicopter.

At 1115am, Leading Aircraft Handler Stephen Ashcroft guided the helicopter – callsign Dolphin 14 – safely down on to four acres of sovereign British territory just off the east coast of Scotland.

At the controls of the Merlin Mk2 – for completists, the tail number is ZH856 – was pilot Lieutenant Rob Prior, assisted by fellow pilot Lieutenant Tim Willis, Observer (navigator/weapons and sensor specialist) Lieutenant Carl Davis, aircraft commander Lieutenant Commander Steve Ivill, aircrewman Chief Petty Officer Lee Elliott and photographer Leading Hand Alex Ceolin.

Barely had the 14-tonne submarine-hunting helicopter been lashed to the deck by the handlers than it was released to take off again.

The Merlin landed and took off six times as various problems and emergencies were practiced by the air and ground crew, while HMS Prince of Wales’ air traffic controllers guided the helicopter fliers in circuits around the aircraft carrier.

Directing the inaugural landing from the second of HMS Prince of Wales two distinctive towers was the naval officer in charge of all flying operations conducted by the ship, Commander Air (aka ‘Wings’) Commander Phil Richardson.

The HMS Prince of Wales is the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier under construction for the Royal Navy, which will be commissioned in 2020. The ship is currently planned to carry up to 40 F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fighters and Merlin helicopters for airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare, although in surge conditions the class is capable of supporting 70+ F-35B. 

The Merlin Mk2 helicopter entered service in 2014 as an upgrade for the original 1990’s Mk1 naval version. Its role is to supply the UK’s Maritime Force Protection and airborne anti-submarine warfare capability for the foreseeable future.