Celebrating 30 Years of Merlin

CATEGORY: Film & Digital

The brief

Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to deliver 44 Mk 1 Merlin helicopters back in 1991. Designed to provide Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities, Merlin is known affectionately as the Royal Navy’s ‘Workhorse’ having completed operations around the globe, from humanitarian to rescue missions.

In 2021, the Merlin programme entered its 30th year and Engage was commissioned to celebrate this milestone achievement.

The work

We conceived, scripted, storyboarded and produced, ‘The Story of Merlin’. The mini documentary, shot in a contemporary style, features two of the key players who were instrumental in bringing Merlin into service. At nearly ten minutes in length, The Story of Merlin is unusual for a ‘business film’ and yet captivates audiences because of its very human narrative.

The outcome

The Story of Merlin has been widely praised across industry and the Royal Navy for reminding customers and sailors alike about the quiet success of the Merlin programme; it is not unknown for former crew to shed a tear during broadcast.

In 2024, the UK MOD awarded Leonardo and Lockheed Martin a contract to evaluate extension of the Merlin programme to 2040.

Helicopter silhouette