Utility Helicopter
AW101 Merlin
The AW101 Merlin (formerly EH101) is a three-engine, medium-to-heavy multi-role helicopter built by Leonardo in the UK and Italy, first flown in 1987. It serves in anti-submarine, transport and search and rescue roles with nine countries.
Italy|AgustaWestland (Leonardo) & Lockheed MartinWhat Is the AW101 Merlin? Overview, History and Development
The EH101 first flew on 9 October 1987, and the Royal Navy Merlin HM1 entered service in 1998–99, followed by the Italian and Canadian forces. It has three turboshafts of about 2,100 shp each, a five-blade rotor 18.6 m wide and a rear ramp. Maximum takeoff weight is about 14,600–15,600 kg, top speed about 309 km/h and range about 1,389 km. The three engines give a high safety margin.
More than 200 have been built at Yeovil and Vergiate. Operators include the UK, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Canada as CH-149 Cormorant, Portugal, Japan, Poland and India, which flies three VVIP aircraft after the AgustaWestland scandal of 2010. The UK’s Merlin HM2 upgrade covered 30 aircraft. Egypt and Algeria are reported customers. The price is about US$60–100 million. Rivals include the CH-53K, NH90 and CH-47F.
AW101 Merlin Specifications: Speed, Range, Payload and Armament
AW101 Merlin Variants and Versions Compared
The upgraded Royal Navy anti-submarine version with a new radar and mission system.
The Commando transport version for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with a glass cockpit.
The Canadian search and rescue version, with 14 aircraft in service.
Which Countries Use the AW101 Merlin? Operators and Users
United KingdomItaly
Denmark
Norway
Canada
Portugal
Japan
Poland
IndiaAW101 Merlin FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the AW101 Merlin cost?
The AW101 Merlin costs about US$60–100 million per aircraft depending on the version, according to contract-value estimates. Norway’s search and rescue order is one source for such figures.
Which countries use the AW101 Merlin?
The AW101 is used by the UK, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Portugal, Japan, Poland and India. Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt are also reported customers, though some are unconfirmed, and Türkiye has not bought it.
How fast is the AW101 Merlin?
The AW101 Merlin has a maximum speed of about 309 km/h and cruises at about 278 km/h. Its range is about 1,389 km for naval variants, and its service ceiling is about 4,575 m.
AW101 vs CH-53K: which is better?
The CH-53K is heavier and lifts much more, with a 12,200 kg sling load, while the AW101 is a medium-to-heavy aircraft with three engines and about 5,400 kg of external load. The AW101 costs less.
Why does the AW101 have three engines?
The AW101 Merlin has three turboshaft engines of about 2,100 shp each for a high safety margin, allowing it to keep flying after losing one. This is useful for over-water search and rescue and anti-submarine missions.
What was the AgustaWestland scandal in India?
The AgustaWestland case arose around India’s 2010 deal for 12 AW101 VVIP helicopters, which led to the cancellation of nine aircraft. The three delivered aircraft are used for VVIP transport by the Indian Air Force.