The Fleet air arm provides the RN with a multi-role aviation combat capability able to operate independently, at short notice in all environments, over sea and land. It has some 6,200 men and women operating approximately 200 combat aircraft and more than 50 support/training aircraft.

There are two Naval Air Stations, HMS Heron at Yeovilton in Somerset is the base for the Sea Harrier FA2 and helicopters, the Sea King Mk4, Lynx Mk3, Mk7, Mk8 and Gazelle.

HMS Seahawk at Culdrose in Cornwall supports the new Merlin anti-submarine helicopter, the Sea King Mk7 ASAC, 771 SAR Squadron and the Jetstream aircraft of 750 Naval Air Squadron.

Aircraft Highlights

Sea Harrier FA2
The FA2 is a single seat multi-role day/night all-weather aircraft is the only true multi-role jet aircraft in service in the UK inventory. It is has a short take-off and vertical landing capability has dramatically enhanced the ability of the Invincible class of Aircraft Carriers to project air power in support of UK interests worldwide. The FA2 (Fighter Attack) is a development of its predecessor the Sea Harrier FRS1 (Fighter/ Reconnaissance/Strike) concentrating on the avionics and weapons system of the aircraft giving it a much improved air-to-air combat capability, essential to its main task of providing a carrier group with air defence.

Merlin ASW
The Merlin HM Mk 1 is a replacement for the anti-submarine Sea King HAS Mk6. Flown normally by a crew of three (1 x pilot, 1 x Observer, 1 x Aircrewman), Merlin is designed to operate from both large and small ships' flight decks, in severe weather and high sea states, by day and night. A high level of reliability, serviceability and ease of maintenance are a pre-requisite. Powered by three Rolls Royce Turbomeca gas turbines, the rugged, crashworthy airframe is of modular construction, mainly of aluminiumlithium, aluminium and composites. The rotor system, which is fully folding, benefits from some of the most advanced helicopter aerodynamics in the world. With a maximum all-up-mass of 14,600 kg, and a top speed of 167 kts, the Merlin can carry four homing torpedoes or depth charges, and has sufficient fuel for a radius of operation of over 200 nautical miles.