Battlefield Support Helicopters in Afghanistan are coalition assets. Partner nations use helicopters on a "pool" basis so that the right aircraft can be used in the right place, at the right time, and at the end of 2009 the Merlin Force will add their strength to the UK's airlift contribution.

The Merlin can carry 24 passengers, with a full seat fit. In order to use the cargo door, 4 seats are removed, and if the gun fit on the ramp is needed that brings the seat total down to 16. In a stretcher fit (not normally used in theatre) it can carry 4 stacks of 4 stretchers in place of seats.

In Afghanistan, the primary roles of the Merlin will be:

• Support to Deliberate Operations. This is moving troops and equipment to field locations in a relatively safe, rapid and efficient manner in order to support ground operations.
• Routine passenger transport. Moving passengers between base locations/operating bases.
• Cargo and Freight transport. This can include underslung loads.
• A contribution to the IRT (Immediate Response Team) Role. This could be the carriage of medics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, and CASEVAC - to conduct the evacuation of/help prevent battlefield casualties.

Agusta Westland Merlin HC Mk3

The Merlin HC Mk3 is a new generation day and night operational multi-role helicopter which will greatly augment the RAF's existing helicopter fleet. The aircraft's modern and sophisticated navigation, optical and avionics systems will enable it to operate in all weathers and in icing conditions. Glass cockpit, moving map display, Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR). The helicopter incorporates state-of-the-art design and technology, offering improved safety, reliability and maintainability. The first thing most people note on seeing the helicopter is its large size: 22.8m from the tip of the main blade to tip of the tail blade and 6.6m high. The roles of the aircraft will be similar to the Support Helicopter aircraft already in service. These roles include trooping, freighting and casualty evacuation. It has been designed to lift loads of up to 5443 Kg and has a maximum range of over 1100 km on internal fuel. It is powered by 3 Rolls Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 engines with Full Authority Digital Electronic Control. Aircraft vibration is damped by a system called Active Control of Structural Response (ACSR) creating a very smooth and quiet aircraft. Fitted with 5 BERP(British Experimental Rotor Programme) blades, also fitted on Lynx, which enable greater lift and reduced vibration for a shorter blade. Ninety percent of the fuselage is made from composite materials for strength and for weight reduction and the aircraft has an excellent redundancy level with some systems triplicated. This up-to-date technology has also gone into the remainder of the aircraft which includes elastomeric bearings fitted to the head and tail rotor hubs, designed to eliminate the lubrication required in these areas. The instrument system is electronic and is displayed on 6 high definition, full colour screens which give primary or secondary power system displays. The avionics are also state-of-the-art: a 1553 Data Bus is fitted together with navigation and communications systems and the Defensive Aids Suite is comprehensive. In summary the Merlin HC Mk3 is a very modern and capable aircraft, which will greatly improve the SH Force's efficiency and will offer new challenges to the crews.