SKU-H0496670P
Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter Firing Flares Photo Print
A Royal Navy Merlin of 820 Naval Air Squadron flies head-on towards the camera on 27 February 2024, releasing two great fans of burning flares either side of its fuselage. The decoys arc away and drop through a grey, cloud-heavy sky, leaving curling smoke trails beneath the helicopter. The firing was carried out while the squadron was embarked in HMS Prince of Wales for NATO's Exercise Steadfast Defender.
Flares form part of the Merlin's Defensive Aids Suite and are designed to draw away heat-seeking missiles, such as those fired from shoulder-launched weapons. Live firings like this let aircrew and the engineers who load the dispensers prove the system works before it is ever needed. Steadfast Defender 2024 was described as NATO's largest exercise in decades, and HMS Prince of Wales took the carrier role at short notice after HMS Queen Elizabeth was held back by a propeller shaft coupling fault.
This print is ideal for Merlin aircrew, flight deck and armament engineers, and anyone who sailed with HMS Prince of Wales during Steadfast Defender 2024.
Product Details
- Image Taken: 27/02/2024
- Photographer: LPhot Stuart Dickson
- © Crown copyright 2024 – UK MOD
- Licensed under the Open Government Licence (OGV3)
- Free UK Delivery
- Professional Lab Printing
- 5 Year Guarantee
- Award Winning Framing and Mounting
- Made to order in the UK
- High quality photo paper
- 6x4 Inches up to 46.8 x 33.1 Inches (A0)
- UL certified GREENGUARD GOLD inks
- Full print coverage
- Securely packed for safe transit
- Free UK delivery
EU Customer GPSR Information
- Features: Bright white paper 240gsm. Subtle pearl-like texture, satin finish. Giclée fine art photo print.
- Materials: Photo paper
- Age restriction: This product is made for adults
- EU warranty: 2-year warranty in EEA and UK, established by Directive 1999/44/EC.
- Eco properties: Water-based inks. Sustainably sourced paper or wood. Local fulfilment. Plastic-free. Vegan-friendly.
- GPSR manufacturer: Hampshire Prints Ltd
- Authorised representative: Prodigi B.V.
Jan van Riebeeckweg 15
5928 LG Venlo
Netherlands
Email: dpo@prodigi.com
Some images in our collection are over 100 years old. While we use advanced digital restoration techniques to enhance clarity and detail, certain prints may not match modern photography standards. We ensure every image is presented at the highest quality possible while preserving authenticity.
Framed Print Features
- Professional framing
- Strict quality control procedures
- Fine art Fuji photo paper
- 8 x 10 inches up to 30 x 20 inches image sizes
- UL certified GREENGUARD GOLD inks
- Premium acrylic glazing
- Framing and mounting by hand
- Securely packaged for safe transit
- Free UK delivery
Black Frame
A flat moulding that gives maximum impact, finished in an ash black effect.
- Width38mm (1.5″)
- Height20.5mm (0.8″)
- FinishPrinted
- MaterialPolycore
White Frame
A flat-faced moulding giving maximum impact, finished in a smooth, satin white.
- Width40mm (1.6″)
- Height26mm (1.0″)
- FinishFoiled
- MaterialPolycore
Silver Frame
Modern with a bright, brushed aluminium look and a gentle inward tilt.
- Width31.8mm (1.3″)
- Height28.6mm (1.1″)
- FinishFoiled
- MaterialRadiata Pine
Classic Frame
A traditional walnut-coloured frame inset with tasteful gold foiling.
- Width35mm (1.4″)
- Height20mm (0.8″)
- FinishStained
- MaterialWood
Hanging hardware included with every framed print.
Framing & Mounting
We provide a bright white mount as standard. If you prefer an alternative colour, please contact us. Depending on the print's size and orientation, we may occasionally need to adjust the mount's size or shape to ensure the best presentation.
Our frame selection is extensive, and due to website limitations not every style can be listed. If you have a particular colour or design in mind, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss available options.
The final frame size and proportions may vary slightly based on the image ratio. Occasionally, frames may need to be a little taller or wider than the chosen size; however, they will never be smaller than the specified dimensions.
Your order will be crafted by award-winning framing technicians based in central England, with decades of combined experience. Using the finest FUJI professional photographic papers and premium materials, they ensure exceptional print and frame quality.
Our hand-picked craftsmen and women work with state-of-the-art printing and cutting equipment, yet every frame is still assembled by hand and subject to rigorous quality checks. Their dedication consistently results in outstanding work, appreciated by many returning customers.
- Made from sustainably sourced wood
- Securely packaged for safe delivery
Please note: once your order enters production, changes cannot be made.
The sizes shown denote the size of the print before framing.
| Size | Inches | cm | Framing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 4 | 6 x 4 | 15.2 x 10.2 | ✗ |
| 7 x 5 | 7 x 5 | 17.8 x 12.7 | ✗ |
| A5 | 8.3 x 5.8 | 21.0 x 14.8 | ✗ |
| 10 x 8 | 10 x 8 | 25.4 x 20.3 | ✓ |
| A4 Most popular | 11.7 x 8.3 | 29.7 x 21.0 | ✓ |
| A3 | 16.5 x 11.7 | 42.0 x 29.7 | ✓ |
| 20 x 16 | 20 x 16 | 50.8 x 40.6 | ✓ |
| A2 | 23.4 x 16.5 | 59.4 x 42.0 | ✗ |
| 24 x 16 | 24 x 16 | 61.0 x 40.6 | ✓ |
| 30 x 20 | 30 x 20 | 76.2 x 50.8 | ✓ |
| A1 | 33.1 x 23.4 | 84.1 x 59.4 | ✗ |
| 36 x 24 | 36 x 24 | 91.4 x 61.0 | ✗ |
| A0 | 46.8 x 33.1 | 118.9 x 84.1 | ✗ |
✓ available framed or as a print · ✗ print only
- For framed prints, the size shown is the print before framing. The frame, and a mount if you choose one, add to the overall size. See the Framing Guide for details.
- Not sure which size to choose? Email Sales@hampshireprints.co.uk and we will gladly help.