Leonardo AW101 / EH101 Merlin

The EH101, known in British service as the Merlin, is a three-engined medium-lift helicopter developed jointly by Westland of the UK and Agusta of Italy. It first flew in 1987, was later renamed the AW101 and is now built by Leonardo. With three turboshaft engines and a five-blade main rotor, it offers long range and high reliability and can operate in rough seas and severe weather. Variants cover anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, utility transport, VIP transport and airborne early warning, serving with the Royal Navy, the Italian Navy, Canada, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Japan and others, and it is a familiar large helicopter at European airshows.