Merlins touch down on new ship

HELICOPTERS and remotely-piloted drones from RNAS Culdrose have worked with the Royal Navy’s newest warship to test capabilities in air power.

HMS Tamar sailed from Portsmouth on New Years’ Eve to patrol Britain’s south west coastline.

Joining the ship was a submarinehunting Merlin Mk2 helicopter from Culdrose’s 814 Naval Air Squadron – The Flying Tigers. It was the first time the large helicopter had landed on the new patrol ships. The Cornish air station also provided a team of drone specialists from 700X Naval Air Squadron.