In Action 78 Squadron - (Benson Wing) (Formally Joint Helicopter Command)

The RAFs Merlin fleet was transferred to the Royal Navy in September 2015. As part of the drawdown on September 30, 2014 78 Squadron disbanded and 846 Naval Air Squadron stood up. 846 NAS operated at RAF Benson until Spring 2015. 845 NAS stood up at RNAS Yeovilton in September 2015.

Off base on the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA).

Merlin HC.3 (ZJ990 'AA') in the confined landing area on Salisbury Plain in January 2013.

Left to right: Merlin HC.3 (ZJ990 'AA') it was using callsign 'Vortex 783' in the confined landing area in January 2013.

EH.101 Merlin HC.3 (ZJ120 'D') was using callsign 'Vortex 782' and for part of its time here was working with an Army Land Rover on 'Vehicle Interdiction' training on Deptford Down in December 2012.

Left to right: Merlin HC.3A (ZJ995 'AD') on approach to Cottesmore in December 2008. Merlin HC.3A (ZJ990 'AA') at the FRP on Salisbury Plain Training Area during exercise 'Pashtun Jaguar 1-11' in February 2011.

Merlin HC.3 (ZJ130 'O') at the FRP on Salisbury Plain Training Area during exercise 'Pashtun Jaguar 2-11' in August 2011.

Left to right: Westland Merlin HC.3A (ZJ998 'AE') still with 28(AC) Squadron through the Loop at 50 feet AGL in December 2014.

On Display

Left to right: Merlin HC.3 (ZJ127 'L') x2 at the VE day show at Duxford in May 2005. Merlin HC.3 (ZJ131 'P') at RIAT in July 2005. Merlin HC.3 (ZJ122 'F') at RIAT in 2006.

On Base

Left to right: Merlin HC.3 (ZJ124 'H') being prepared for flight on a foggy day at RAF Benson in December 2010.

Left to right: Merlin HC.3i (ZJ130 'O') at RNAS Yeovilton night shoot in March 2018.