Latest news with #AW101Merlin
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
World's Most Expensive Fighter Jet Is Still Grounded In Kerala. This Is Why
New Delhi: A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport more than 72 hours after it was forced to make an emergency landing. According to reports, the jet has suffered a "technical snag", forcing it to remain grounded. The short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) jet was part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, currently operating in the Indo-Pacific following a series of joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday morning after encountering low fuel levels. A Royal Navy AW101 Merlin helicopter arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram airport a day after the emergency landing to transport the pilot back to the Prince of Wales, indicating that the jet's return to sea-based operations may take longer than initially anticipated. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which had earlier confirmed it was assisting with the diversion, described the incident as a "normal occurrence," and said it was extending logistical support. The F-35B is part of the most expensive and technologically sophisticated fighter jet programme in history. Designed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 programme spans multiple international partners and service branches. The B variant, which the Royal Navy operates, is capable of short take-off and vertical landings, enabling it to fly from carriers that lack catapult systems. The F-35 family, which includes the A, B, and C variants, has seen deployment across multiple theatres in recent months. The Israeli Air Force has been employing its F-35 fleet in precision operations over Iranian territory, underlining the jet's centrality to Western air power. The F-35's radar-evading profile, coupled with its advanced sensor fusion technology, makes it one of the most sought-after platforms globally. Despite its capabilities, the programme has faced persistent scrutiny over costs and recurring technical glitches. The F-35B, in particular, has occasionally suffered from issues related to its lift fan system and vertical landing mechanism.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Navy helicopter contract helps secure 200 jobs
A new Royal Navy contract will help sustain 200 jobs in Somerset, according to a government announcement. A fleet of more than 50 Royal Navy helicopters will receive maintenance under a £165m contract extension with Leonardo Helicopters, supporting 1,000 UK jobs. Leonardo, based in Yeovil, is the prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin and SERCO appointed as key sub-contractors. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said: "This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defence capabilities that keep us safe, while utilising defence as an engine for economic growth." More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset The Merlin Mk2 helicopters are primarily used as submarine hunters but can also carry out search and rescue operations, intercept drug runners and support humanitarian relief efforts. As well as jobs based in Somerset, the agreement will support jobs at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. Nigel Colman, managing director at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: "We're extremely proud to have provided the UK's AW101 Merlin fleet from the home of British helicopters in Yeovil. "Working closely with the Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy, we're keeping the Merlin fleet supported and available, so it's ready to fly whenever and wherever it's called upon." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Engineers building 'helicopter that flies itself' Helicopter jobs secured with £435m investment Helicopter workers 'anxious' over MoD contract Ministry of Defence Leonardo
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Royal Navy contract will help sustain 200 Somerset jobs in Yeovil
A new Royal Navy contract will help sustain 200 jobs in Somerset, according to a government announcement.A fleet of more than 50 Royal Navy helicopters will receive maintenance under a £165m contract extension with Leonardo Helicopters, supporting 1,000 UK based in Yeovil, is the prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin and SERCO appointed as key for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said: "This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defence capabilities that keep us safe, while utilising defence as an engine for economic growth." The Merlin Mk2 helicopters are primarily used as submarine hunters but can also carry out search and rescue operations, intercept drug runners and support humanitarian relief well as jobs based in Somerset, the agreement will support jobs at RNAS Culdrose in Colman, managing director at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: "We're extremely proud to have provided the UK's AW101 Merlin fleet from the home of British helicopters in Yeovil."Working closely with the Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy, we're keeping the Merlin fleet supported and available, so it's ready to fly whenever and wherever it's called upon."
