An Royal Air Force pilot demonstrated exceptional flying abilities by maneuvering a Chinook helicopter mere inches above the sea surface during a training exercise. The aircraft’s wheels appeared to brush the water as Royal Marines in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) were lowered into the sea at dusk.
The drill took place in Poole Harbour, Dorset, the base for the Special Boat Service (SBS), a special forces unit of the Royal Navy. Lewis Johnstone, 21, captured the event on Wednesday.
"It's always incredible to watch our amazing Armed Forces training and see the skill and professionalism they demonstrate," Johnstone, who works for a military company, said. "A fantastic experience to witness and photograph."
The Chinook helicopter is a versatile support aircraft primarily used for troop transportation, resupply, and casualty evacuation. It is equipped with self-defense systems and can carry up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo.
These tandem-rotor helicopters, officially the Boeing CH-47, were initially manufactured by Vertol and are now produced by Boeing Defense, Space and Security. They are the second-heaviest lifting Western helicopters, behind the Sikorsky CH-53, and are in active service in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The UK Ministry of Defence first introduced the Chinook into service in 1981. The UK currently operates a fleet of 54 Chinooks. In April, a three-year contract worth £879 million was awarded to Boeing Defence UK for the maintenance and support of the RAF's Chinook helicopters and the British Army's Apache attack helicopters.
The SBS, historically known as the Special Boat Squadron, has been based at Royal Marines Base Poole for decades. Established around the same time as the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II, the SBS is the elite maritime special operations force of the Royal Navy. Its personnel are drawn almost entirely from the Royal Marines, with recent integration of frontline female recruits.