 In the 1970s , Westland 's experience with the Sea King led the company to conduct the British Experimental Rotor Program ( BERP ) , in coordination with the Royal Aircraft Establishment , which applied innovations in composite materials and new design principles to the helicopter rotor . Initial trials carried out with active Sea Kings found several advantages to the BERP rotor , including a longer fatigue life and improved aerodynamic characteristics . Subsequent Westland helicopters , such as the record @-@ breaking Lynx and the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin , took advantage of BERP rotors for greater performance . Westland equipped later @-@ built Sea Kings with the new composite rotors as well . 
