Rotorcraft
Royal Navy’s New Crowsnest Completes First Flight
The Royal Navy's successor to the Sea King in the airborne early warning role has begun flight tests, with a view to entering service in 2020.
The Crowsnest trials helicopter got airborne for the first time on March 28. The "bag" radome for the Searchwater radar remained in its stowed position throughout the maiden hop. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
The Crowsnest trials helicopter got airborne for the first time on March 28. The "bag" radome for the Searchwater radar remained in its stowed position throughout the maiden hop. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)

The first Leonardo Merlin HM.2 helicopter fitted with the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) system has completed its first flight. Prime contractor Lockheed Martin UK confirmed that the designated trials aircraft took off from Leonardo Helicopters’ Yeovil facility fitted with Crowsnest on March 28 to begin aero-mechanical flight trials.


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