RN Merlins

[VulcanDriver]

I have a question about RN Merlins. Some carry a 3 digit number on their fuselage sides, and the last two digits on the nose. I thought that it might be the 3 digits of the serial number but its not. Any of you guys know what they are?

[AndyG43]

The book I have with details is in storage at the moment but, as I recall, it is a sort of squadron coding with knobs on! It is not dissimilar to the US Navy modex system.

Each squadron is given a number block, and the three number codes are allocated from within that block; so far so simple. But the number blocks can change if the location of the unit changes; back in the day when the Royal Navy's fleet consisted of more than two pedalos and a rowing boat each aircraft carrier, for example, would have a block of numbers and the squadrons sub-blocks within that.

Best illustrate that with some examples. Ark Royal (the Audacious-class version) used codes in the '000' range during its final few years, with examples being Phantom 002/R, Buccaneer 022/R, Seaking 055/R etc; so, providing you knew the codes, that would tell you that the aircraft were from 892 NAS, 809 NAS and 824 NAS respectively. But 809 NAS, when serving earlier on Hermes, had codes in the '320' range; and Ark Royal didn't always have codes in that '000' block.

Hope that wasn't too confusing!

Incidentally, the Royal Navy's Merlin fleet is due to expand over the next year or so, with the transfer of the 78 Squadron's HC3s to replace the Seaking HC4s of 846 NAS happening this month; in 2016 her sister squadron, 845, will replace her Seakings with a properly navalised version (folding blades etc) of the Merlin to be designated the HC4 - in theory at that point 28 Squadron crews would have retrained on Chinook, to fly the additional Wokkas that are rumoured to be in the procurement pipeline, but who knows .......

[VulcanDriver]

Thanks Andy

Most useful. Yes I just read that the RAF Merlins are on their way to Yeovilton. I guess they going to be painted in grey, or are they keeping their green paint?

Cheers
John

[Garysb]

Most likely to retain the green like the Junglies
There are a couple that have had the Royal Navy Marking applied

Gary

[VulcanDriver]

Most likely to retain the green like the Junglies
There are a couple that have had the Royal Navy Marking applied

Gary

Hi Gary

I'd better dig out the blueprints for the HCs

Cheers

John

[merlin101]

Gona be based where I work!! There are atleast two HC2's marked in RN markings so far. Due to arrive at Yeovilton next march.
Dave

[VulcanDriver]

Ah a most useful contact Are the HC2s going to retain the green or are they going to be painted grey to match their sisters?

[merlin101]

They will stay green as they are replacing the Sea King MK4 'junglies'. They may temp paint the odd one with white 'stripes' to operate in Norway or similar cold places. The 'grey' merlins are totally different versions & generally operate in the anti-submarine roll/ship protection. Feel free to pm me if after a/c info or pics.
Dave

[VulcanDriver]

Thanks most useful. I've got the 3 view drawings of the HC2s plus lots of pics of them in RAF service. If I get stuck I'll PM you. Thanks for the offer.