Pictured at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose on 5 September is one of two Crowsnest-configured Merlin HM2 helicopters from 820 NAS now embarked on HMS
Queen Elizabeth
for CSG23/Operation ‘Firedrake’.
(Richard Scott/NAVYPIX)

The UK Royal Navy (RN) has achieved initial operating capability (IOC) for its much-delayed Crowsnest airborne surveillance and control (ASaC) capability.

Crowsnest is a role-fit for the Merlin HM2 helicopter, which swaps out the standard mission console and sonics suite for an ASaC mission system/radar package derived from that previously fitted to the Sea King ASaC7 helicopter. Lockheed Martin, as prime contractor, is responsible for integrating the Thales-supplied Crowsnest radar/mission system into the Merlin HM2. Leonardo Helicopters UK is supporting the modification of the 30-strong HM2 fleet to receive the Crowsnest fit.

Confirming the milestone on board the aircraft carrier HMS
Queen Elizabeth
on 8 September just prior to commencing the Carrier Strike Group 23 (CSG23) deployment – Operation ‘Firedrake’ – Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the CSG, said that the IOC standard marked a major step forward.