UK’s Royal Navy has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a project to revamp its primary Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet base in Cornwall.
The 100-million-pound ($129.8 million) project at RNAS Culdrose will establish a new air engineering training school and hangar, and revamp the existing facilities of 820 Naval Air Squadron, which is assigned to the installation’s Merlin operations and training programs.
It will also provide energy-efficient lighting, water-saving measures, solar photovoltaic panels, and air source heat pumps to configure the site according to the British government’s Defence Operational Energy Strategy.
The UK Ministry of Defence tapped Manchester-based Kier Construction for the building works and Croydon-based Mott MacDonald for corresponding technical services.
The infrastructure project will run until the spring of 2028.
Meanwhile, additional tasks will be approved over the next ten years in separate contract awards to cover RNAS Culdrose’s living quarters, wardroom, and mess halls.
“This project marks the start of an exciting regeneration and investment in RNAS Culdrose with new, modern facilities,” RNAS Culdrose Commanding Officer Capt. Stuart Irwin remarked.
“The Engineering Training School is at the heart of our operations to maintain the Merlin helicopter fleet. Our young people, many of whom are just at the start of their naval careers, will learn how to maintain aircraft in a high-tech and modern teaching environment.”
“The refurbishment of aircraft hangars and buildings at 820 Naval Air Squadron is another significant investment. It will provide us with more suitable and sustainable places to operate Merlin Helicopter Force now, and into the future.”
