U.K.'s Merlin Mk2 helicopter to make Gulf debut

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The U.K. Royal Navy's upgraded Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine warfare patrol helicopter will deploy for anti-piracy and anti-terrorism operations in the winter.

The helicopter entered service in the Royal Navy in 2014, later declared fully operational in the summer of 2015 after a series of tests and trials in European waters. The trials included large-scale anti-submarine exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. The Mk2 version replaces the Royal Navy's earlier Mk1, with improvements including a fully integrated electro-optic and infrared camera.

"The new Merlin offers so many more tactical options in a very demanding operating area that is hugely significant to the UK's national interests," Royal Navy commander Rich Hutchings said in a statement.

The helicopter can be piloted by one or two pilots, and crewed by three Royal Navy personnel. The craft is armed with a stingray torpedo, heavy machine guns, and depth charges, and has a lift capacity of three to eight tons.

During combat operations, the Merlin Mk2 is designed to track targets and transmit data to nearby ships, enhancing a fleet's anti-submarine capabilities. Other improvements from the earlier Merlin Mk1 include new touch-screen technology and an enhanced radar system.

The Merlin Mk2 helicopter will support patrol missions for the Royal Navy's HMS St. Albans in the second half of 2016.