Merlin HM Mk2 crews are now able to operate the helicopter more efficiently and safely, improving the effectiveness of operations. Lockheed Martin was the prime contractor responsible for upgrading 30 of the airframes for the Royal Navy, completing the work ahead of time and under budget. The Merlin HM Mk2 helicopter is the Royal Navy’s airborne submarine hunter. We are working with our partners Leonardo Helicopters to design the modifications required to fit CROWSNEST onto the airframes. This will allow the Royal Navy to adjust the configuration of the airframe depending on the mission. This capability will be role fitted onto the Merlin Mk2 helicopters and deployed in support of various Royal Navy vessels including the fleet flagships HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.ĬROWSNEST incorporates an updated version of a Thales Searchwater radar and Cerberus Mission System which are deployed as role fit kits along with the Merlin Mk2 helicopters. In 2017, Lockheed Martin was awarded a £269m contract to deliver the Royal Navy’s CROWSNEST Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) programme.Īs the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin is responsible for the overall design and development of CROWSNEST, which will provide a vital surveillance capability to support the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.ĬROWSNEST uses a high power radar to provide long-range air, maritime and land tracking capabilities that will ensure early detection of potential threats and vital surveillance for the entire fleet.

Merlin project management for pc