The SHOL trials saw Wildcat helicopter conduct 894 deck take-off and landing operations. Credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright/Defence Equipment and Support.

The UK Royal Navy’s (RN) Wildcat HMA Mk 2 helicopter has successfully completed the ship helicopter operating limitations (SHOL) trials.

It was carried out under the supervision of Wildcat Delivery Team, under Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) procurement arm.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The DE&S’ team contracted QinetiQ and Air Test and Evaluation Centre (ATEC) for the execution of the SHOL trials, which involved participation of over 30 people.

The trials were conducted aboard Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Argus in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.

During the trials, a specially instrumented Wildcat helicopter conducted 894 deck take-off and landing operations and was flown for 87 hours continuously for 19 days.

The tests involved evaluating seven different weapon configurations, including missiles under ‘weapon wings’, with the helicopter.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Wildcat also proved its capability to efficiently operate as part of a Carrier Strike Group in challenging weather conditions and deck motions.

Furthermore, the helicopter proved its operational flexibility by using heavy calibre machine-gun, while its one side was loaded.

DE&S Wildcat Delivery Team leader Steve Jose said: “The conduct of a SHOL trial gathers necessary safety information and operating limitations to inform how an aircraft can be operated at sea.”

The latest trials proved that Wildcat can efficiently handle the newest missile systems.

Besides, the data from these trials, once analysed, will allow the air and ground crews to operate Wildcat helicopter, armed with FASGW, aboard different warships, destroyers, auxiliaries and the RN’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.