A company in Gloucestershire has won a £2million contract to supply ballistic protection to the Royal Navy’s new Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopters.
Permali Gloucester has been contracted by Leonardo Helicopters to carry out the work, which will create six new jobs and bring the company's workforce to just under 100 staff.
The Commando Merlin is an advanced battlefield helicopter designed for amphibious operations and will be tasked with delivering troops and supplies into conflict zones as well as supporting humanitarian operations.
Permali’s ballistic solution will protect the crew and passengers against small arms fire.
Permali's director of special projects, Nick Baird, said: “We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Leonardo Helicopters, and are honoured to be entrusted with the protection of British military personnel.
“The majority of the UK's Joint Helicopter Command aircraft rely on Permali's composite ballistic protection expertise, including the Chinook, Puma and Merlin fleets.”
The deal follows the firm’s earlier work on the Merlin Mk2 and Mk3, as well as the previous Commando Sea King fleet.
This project joins the wide range of ballistic armour protection Permali has supplied to armed forces around the world for equipment operating in the land, sea and air.
The new Commando Merlin provides versatile lift capability with exceptional speed and range, and is also equipped with an advanced defensive aids suite in addition to ballistic protection.
