The UK Royal Marines Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have conducted an air-landed arming and refuelling point (ALARP).

As part of this effort, a RAF’s C-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft was deployed to the Royal Marines CHF’s homebase Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset, UK.

The operation then involved refuelling of CHF’s two Merlin Mk4 helicopters using a RAF’s C-130J aircraft.

The operation assessed and demonstrated the ALARP concept between the two aircraft. This joint initiative will further lay the foundation for undertaking similar battlefield operations in future.

According to the Royal Marines, the RNAS Yeovilton served as a suitable setting for conducting the recent demonstration to practice new joint concept.

In future missions, the RAF and Royal Marines’ aircraft will be deployed in a different setting and conditions, such as on flat ground in the Otterburn ranges, Northumberland, or in Salisbury Plain as well as on long stretch of beach that could be used as a temporary landing site.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The service said that similar refuelling operations have previously been performed with the Chinook and Sea King helicopters.

However, this was the first time Merlin Mk4 was involved in such a joint operation. 

In future, the air-landed aircraft refuelling system service is expected to be delivered by the RAF’s future A400M aircraft that will succeed the Hercules fleet scheduled to retire next year in March.