ROME, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The first AW101 Merlin MK4 rotary-wing aircraft delivered to the U.K. Royal Navy by Leonardo-Finmeccanica has taken its maiden flight.
Leonardo says the aircraft completed its first successful flight test at the end of October. The milestone comes as the company upgrades 25 Royal Navy Merlin MK3 aircraft as part of the force's Merlin Life Sustainment Program. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2017, and continue until 2020.