Chinook helicopter put through its paces on HMAS Choules
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has conducted first of class flight trails for HMAS Choules’ new CH-47F Chinook helicopter.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has conducted first of class flight trails for HMAS Choules’ new CH-47F Chinook helicopter.
The aircraft flew a total of 66 hours during the trials, including 206 launches. RAN stated that these trials help with the development of the aircraft’s Ship Helicopter Operating Limits. Many of the flights took place off the coast of Queensland in all types of conditions influenced by wind, sea and swell, RAN said.
The new aircraft will give the Choules crew operational flexibility due to the aircrafts multiple uses and RAN Airman Corporal Alex McLean said he enjoyed getting to grips with the new aircraft. “It was great to showcase the CH-47F capability at sea and find out how the aircraft would integrate with Choules,” he said. “It was also a good opportunity to meet new people across the ADF services and develop working relationships that may come in handy during future combined operational tasking.”
Vertical replenishment at night proved a challenge for the crews, according to Airman Corporal McLean: “Hovering six feet above a pitching deck using Night Vision Goggles was a difficult and new experience for both the aircrew and Choules’ flight deck team.”