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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
National
ANITA ROE

Fatal Merlin MK4 Crash Reignites Debate Over Navy Funding, Ageing Aircraft and £7M Fleet Losses

Navy Royal Navy
The MK4 has faced several incidents, including two fatal crashes, losing 12% of its fleet at over £7 million, with no clear cause for the aircraft's failures. (Credit: Leonardo Industries)

The Merlin MK4 helicopter has been in the news once again, following a tragic crash in which three servicemen lost their lives this week. The accident occurred when the aircraft crashed into a field at Sourton, Okehampton, Devon.

According to a BBC News report, Tim Ripley, editor of Defence Eye, said the principal role of Merlin Mk4s was to carry Royal Marines into battle, describing the aircraft as a 'go anywhere helicopter'. He explained that Merlin helicopters were first used by the Royal Air Force in 2001 before being transferred to the Marines a decade ago.

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