Joint Helicopter Support Squadron

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron The Helicopter Handling Specialists of the United Kingdom Armed Forces Joint Aviation Command.

10/04/2026

Precision and teamwork in action🚁🪝

A Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook conducts a dual underslung load, lifting a 105mm Light Gun on the forward hook and a Land Rover on the rear.

Such operations rely on seamless coordination between aircrew and ground teams, combining clear communication, disciplined procedures, and precise aircraft control to deliver capability safely and effectively.

07/04/2026

A Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook moves into the hover over the ground team for another underslung lift.🚁🪝

For the team on the ground, this is where the noise builds up, downwash hits, and everyone starts leaning into it to the downwash to hold their ground. Eyes up, focused and waiting for the aircraft to settle for the hook up.

One member in hi-vis steps forward for his first hook up, clearly marked for the aircrews awareness and supported by the team around him as the lift develops.

JHSS personnel on the ground, ready to get the load moving.

03/04/2026

One in the hover, One on the way in. 🚁

JHSS on the ground delivering the first netted underslung load. Hooked up, ready for immediate lift as the aircraft transitions straight into the hover.

As the first CH-47 lifts with its netted underslung load, a second aircraft arrives straight into the load park to join the departure. Timed right, both stepping off together as a pair.

Whatever the load, wherever the location — Joint Helicopter Support Squadron delivers.🚁🪝Supporting a RAF CH-47 Chinook c...
02/04/2026

Whatever the load, wherever the location — Joint Helicopter Support Squadron delivers.🚁🪝

Supporting a RAF CH-47 Chinook chalk drop during the re-chalking of the Bulford Kiwi, our teams were on the ground enabling the lift. Rigged, inspected and hooked up ensuring this historic landmark, first carved by New Zealand troops during the First World War, remains visible for years to come.

01/04/2026

Learning on the ground, pressure in the air. 🚁

As a RAF CH-47 Chinook arrives onto the load park, three JHSS personnel stand ready by a netted load, one stepping into his first ever hook-up, marked out in high-vis, backed by experience on either side.

This is where knowledge gets passed in real time. No pause, no classroom just clear guidance, and trust as the aircraft closes in. Every movement, every call, shared and reinforced on the job.

From first hook-up to experienced operator, it’s how we keep standards high and the team current.

Training doesn’t stop, it happens under the rotors.

27/03/2026

Night ops, desert conditions, and the fundamentals done right. 🚁🌙

A Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook is brought into the desert box using the buzzsaw — a core night marshalling technique. Under night vision, with dust in the air and limited depth perception, this method gives aircrew a clear, unmistakable reference to safely position a heavy-lift aircraft.

On the ground, JHSS personnel maintain control of the HLS and deliver those critical visual cues, turning a low-visibility environment into something controlled and predictable. It’s simple, but it’s foundational — and when it’s done right, everything else builds from it.

Training like this in the Californian desert keeps both ground teams and aircrew current, confident, and ready to operate in the dark, in any environment.

Gibraltar | Force Development 🇬🇮A change of pace for the Squadron as personnel deployed to Gibraltar take the opportunit...
24/03/2026

Gibraltar | Force Development 🇬🇮

A change of pace for the Squadron as personnel deployed to Gibraltar take the opportunity to get out and explore the Rock. From the heights above the Strait to the narrow tracks running along the ridge line.

Not unfamiliar ground for JHSS either. In March 2022, teams supported a CH-47 Chinook tasking to underslung load a new radar system at the summit — a task that demanded precision from both aircrew and ground teams in one of the most challenging locations you’ll find.

Different day, same ground — just without the hook-up this time.

Sun’s out, Rotors turning. ☀️🚁While everyone else is chasing the heat, our teams are on the RAF Benson load park getting...
18/03/2026

Sun’s out, Rotors turning. ☀️🚁

While everyone else is chasing the heat, our teams are on the RAF Benson load park getting it done — underslung loads rigged, checked and hooked, keeping training moving.

Just another day on the load park. 💪

17/03/2026

Two RAF CH-47 Chinooks touch down at Tullialan Police College, delivering 43 Commando Royal Marines and Emergency Service teams into a simulated hostage rescue scenario during Ex Kukri Dawn.

On the ground, JHSS secured the HLS—controlling the landing area, clearing hazards and ensuring a safe, controlled environment for aircraft and personnel throughout the serial.

Another example of joint force integration, where precision in the air meets control on the ground.

15/03/2026

During Ex Kukri Dawn, two Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinooks arrive into RM Condor to conduct a Tactical Drop (TAC Drop) serial. 🚁

On the ground, JHSS personnel secure the HLS, ensuring the landing site is clear, controlled and ready for the aircraft to safely conduct the task.

14/03/2026

A Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook closes in on the load park for another ISO Container lift. 🚁

For the team on top of the ISO, this is the part where the noise ramps up, the down wash hits and everyone suddenly starts leaning into the wind. Static probe in hand, JHSS personnel stand their ground as the aircraft gets closer for the hookup, ready to get the load moving!🚁🪝

13/03/2026

Two Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinooks sit ready on the disused runway at RM Condor ahead of conducting Tactical Drops of supplies carried internally within the aircraft.🚁

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RAF Benson
Wallingford
OX106AA

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