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equipment / Commando
by air
equipment / commando

by air

Fearlessly flying in to all extremes, the Commando Helicopter Force are the wings of the Royal Marines.

A Merlin MK4 of 846 NAS flying over countryside
Commando carrier

Commando Merlin Mk4

Considered the world’s most advanced amphibious battlefield helicopter, the Merlin MK4 can carry up to 24 fully-laden troops, providing tactical mobility and aviation support from either sea or land.

They feature a folding main rotor head and tail section to allow them to operate from the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers and are fitted with a fast roping beam that allows for the rapid deployment of Special Forces.

EXPLORE COMMANDO MERLIN MK4
847 NAS Commando Wildcat landing on a flight deck
Reconnaissance

Commando Wildcat AH1

Operated by 847 Naval Air Squadron, the AH1 variant of the Wildcat combat helicopter provides ‘eye-in-the-sky’ battlefield reconnaissance, troop transportation, air support and anti-armour capabilities. 

Like the Wildcat HMA2, which is equipped with weaponry to deal with anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, the AH1 can operate in extreme conditions and at high altitudes, and can detect targets from a significant range, day or night.

EXLORE COMMANDO WILDCAT
Marine performing fast rope training from a Merlin
Aerial assault

Fast roping into combat

Descending from Merlin or Wildcat helicopters directly on to the deck of a moving vessel or hostile ground, our commandos complete extensive training in ‘fast roping’; ready to be deployed swiftly from the skies, whenever and wherever they’re needed.

Autonomous technology

Drone training raids

Diving, sailing and flying together: in a first for the UK’s armed forces, we conducted an experimental exercise with a swarm of drones.

Drone fleet

Surface Fleet personnel holding a Puma drone ready for launch

Puma 3 AE

This small, battery-powered, unmanned aircraft system is used for surveillance and intelligence gathering thanks to a onboard electro-optical and infrared camera. This particular model is designed for maritime use as it is capable of landing on water as well as ground.
Close up of a Parrot Anafi drone in flight

Parrot Anafi USA 

The ultimate ‘eye-in-the-sky’, this drone is quick and easy to deploy and features a 4K HDR camera with a unique 180-degree tilt gimbal to capture everything in vivid detail. It can be piloted with a smartphone and the camera excels in extreme conditions of -10 to +40°C.
An Anduril Ghost drone hovering over the head of a marine who is aiming a weapon at the camera

Anduril Ghost MK4

When stealth and longevity is required, the Ghost drone fits the bill perfectly. It features a single-rotor design for vertical take-off and landing in confined spaces, near-silent acoustics, and can be flown continuously for up to 55 minutes.

Close up shot of a Malloy drone hovering close to the ground

Malloy TRV150

With the ability to reliably lift loads of up to 68kg in all weather conditions, this drone is a vital tool for getting equipment and supplies to where they are needed most. And with a range of over 70km, it gets the job done without putting our Marines in close proximity with danger.
Autonomous technology

Drone training raids

Diving, sailing and flying together: in a first for the UK’s armed forces, we conducted an experimental exercise with a swarm of drones.

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