Defence

Frazer-Nash awarded safety contract for Merlin helicopter upgrade

Posted 11 December 2012

Engineering and technology company Frazer-Nash has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to become the Independent Safety Auditor (ISA) for the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), following a competitive tender.

The MLSP programme is a multiyear project to reduce the through life cost of ownership of the Merlin helicopter, principally through a major upgrade of the avionic systems. This will address obsolescence issues with the introduction of open systems computer architecture, as well as enhancing performance.

Over a one year period covering the assessment phase of the programme, Frazer-Nash will provide an independent safety audit of the MLSP programme to ensure its compliance with the appropriate safety requirements and safety standards.

Martin Soltau, Business Manager at Frazer-Nash said: “We are delighted to be supporting the MoD on such an important project. Our independent assurance of safety is a vital element in demonstrating that helicopters are safe to fly. We have a highly competent team with extensive experience in safety requirements and acceptance processes.

“We have been the ISA for the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) for the last 9 years, so this coupled with our previous work on the Merlin helicopter, means that we can provide informed and authoritative advice on the MLSP programme.”

Frazer-Nash has also been awarded an extended contract by the MoD to provide independent safety audit and advice for the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) programme.