During a recent training exercise, an Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot showcased remarkable precision by hovering a Chinook support aircraft just inches above the water's surface. The maneuver allowed a group of Royal Marines, traveling in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), to be lowered directly into the sea at dusk.
The dramatic event took place in Poole Harbour, Dorset, a location that also serves as the base for the Special Boat Service (SBS), a special forces unit of the Royal Navy. The challenging drill highlights the operational capabilities of the Chinook, a versatile helicopter primarily used for troop transportation, resupply missions, and casualty evacuation.
Lewis Johnstone, 21, a civilian working for a military company, captured the high-stakes exercise on camera. He described the experience as "incredible to watch our amazing Armed Forces training and see the skill and professionalism they demonstrate." Johnstone added that he had initially hoped to photograph the Chinook departing, but was instead treated to the elaborate training session.
The Chinook, a Boeing CH-47 tandem-rotor helicopter, is known for its robust support capabilities. It is equipped with self-defense systems and can carry up to 55 troops or approximately 10 tons of cargo. These helicopters are recognized as the second-heaviest lifting Western helicopters, surpassed only by the Sikorsky CH-53. Both the U.S. and UK militaries currently operate Chinooks in active service.
The UK Ministry of Defence first acquired Chinooks in 1981, and currently maintains an inventory of 54 of these aircraft. In April of this year, Boeing Defense UK was awarded an £879 million contract spanning three years to provide maintenance and support for the RAF's Chinook fleet and the British Army's Apache attack helicopters.
The Special Boat Service (SBS), which has been based at Royal Marines Base Poole in Hamworthy, Dorset, for decades, is the elite maritime counter-terrorism and special reconnaissance unit of the Royal Navy. Established during World War II, around the same time as the more widely known Special Air Service (SAS), the SBS comprises predominantly Royal Marines personnel and has recently included frontline female recruits.