Exercise Merlin Vortex 2015
Exercise Merlin Vortex is the culmination of the Merlin OCF flying training course which tests tactical flying abilities learnt. Students were deployed to a semi austere field location, away from their Main Operating Base at RAF Benson so providing an "in the field" environment.
Operating out of Rollestone Camp on Salisbury Plain; the two Merlin Mk3 helicopters (ZJ125 coded J and ZJ127 coded L), four Merlin OCF crews and support staff, supported 3 Commando Brigade and other Land Force elements in various operational taskings to test the students new flying skills.
A Forward Armament and Refueling Point (FARP) was set up at Rollestone Camp to give the crews experience of "hot pit" operations in the field.
As well as sorties on Salisbury Plain in support of troops, the Merlin Crews flew sorties to Plymouth and Exmoor.
