Soldiers from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) have successfully completed essential air mobility training with an RAF Chinook helicopter at Merville Barracks, Colchester.
A Chinook helicopter CH-47 flew into Merville Barracks to land to support soldiers from the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery, enabling the troops to conduct underslung attach and detachment drills
Chinook helicopter CH-47 from 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force lifted with a Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit reconnaissance vehicle underslung.
A Chinook helicopter CH-47 flew into Merville Barracks to land to support soldiers from the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery, enabling the troops to conduct underslung attach and detachment drills
A Chinook helicopter CH-47 flew into Merville Barracks to land to support soldiers from the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery, enabling the troops to conduct underslung attach and detachment drills
The exercise involved ground crews from 7 Para RHA securing their 105mm light guns as underslung loads beneath the Chinook, which hovered just inches above their heads. The training was conducted with aircraft and crews from the RAF's No 18 Squadron.
Throughout the afternoon, soldiers also practised transporting reconnaissance vehicles and equipment weighing over two tonnes using specialised nets and strapping systems. This training demonstrated the precise coordination needed for aerial transportation operations.
While impressive, the loads represented only a fraction of the Chinook's full capability, which can carry approximately 10 tonnes of equipment as an underslung load.
Warrant Office Class Two Peter Lowthian of G Battery, 7 Para RHA, who organised the training, said: "Our thanks go to No 18 Squadron for supporting us on this exercise. It enabled our soldiers to complete the final stage of their rigging, marshalling and commanding landing points course. Each load lifted and handled very differently, so the training was also of benefit to the crew of the RAF Chinook."
This air mobility capability allows military assets to reach remote locations rapidly without relying on time-consuming ground transportation. The technique proved essential during NATO operations in Afghanistan, where isolated forward operating bases depended on aerial delivery to avoid lengthy and potentially dangerous ground convoys.
Regular training ensures military personnel maintain the high levels of discipline, skills and teamwork necessary for these complex operations.
