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Deck landing training for HMS St Albans

28th November 2018 - 13:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team

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The Royal Navy has carried out helicopter deck landing training on Type 23 frigate, HMS St Albans.

Wildcat and Merlin helicopters from 814, 815 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons carried out the landings – considered by the navy to be among the most difficult to conduct due to the unpredictable conditions at sea and the size of both helicopters.

The Merlin Mk2 helicopter conducted a conventional night approach, while the Wildcat and Merlin Mk3 helicopters used night vision goggle capabilities to land on the deck of the frigate.

Cmdr John Cromie, Commanding Officer of St Albans, said: ‘It’s vitally important that we practice these skillsets to maintain our edge. The teams from the ship’s company and the various Naval Air Squadrons have worked hard to achieve safe and meaningful aviation training over the past few days.

‘These are perishable skills that need to be practiced often but in the right conditions.’

St Albans is tasked with patrolling UK waters and has recently been focused on escorting a Russian warship through the English Channel.

Merlin HM Mk 1

AW159 Wildcat