Commando Merlin and Crowsnest Merlin?

[Nico]

After several decades of more or less correct application, it seems that even the British Ministry of Defense is bored by its own designation system.
To quote some examples, I never hear about Globemaster C Mk.1 or C1, nor Lightning FG Mk.1 or FG1 and the Typhoon are very rarely called FGR Mk. 4 or FGR4.
I wanted to say, however, that in recent months the troop carrier conversion of the Merlin helicopter has flown, which I found quoted as Commando Merlin K.4 and on March 28 there was the first official Merlin HM2 flight in Crowsnest configuration. Do you have any indication of its designation?

Nico

 

[Hood]

The Commando Merlin is definitely HC.4, informally it has been referred to as Mk.4 (Mark 4) but the official designation is HC.4. The ex-Danish Merlins will be HC.4A.
I have not seen a designation for the Crowsnest conversion. I suspect there will not be a specific AEW role designation as all the active Merlin HM.2 fleet will receive the ability to receive the Crowsnest system on a Ro-Ro basis, so there will be no dedicated airframes as such. Although 744 NAS has been formed for the AEW role so that might change in practice, I can't imagine them swapping airframes every five minutes.

Globemaster was never assigned the designation C.Mk 1 because the aircraft were initially leased. That is the MoD line, but its interesting to note though that the UKMFTS types have been assigned designations and they are privately-owned rather than MoD property.

I have not yet seen a designation for the Lightning. The MoD has officially dropped the 'II' off the end but haven't yet assigned a role designation. I suppose they may once it achieves IOC?

 

[Nico]

Many thanks Hood
Nico