Joint Helicopter Support Squadron

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

28/08/2026

Preparing for the lift. 🚁🪝

After arriving on the RAF Benson Load Park, the CH-47 Chinook positions itself ready to begin the underslung load serial.

Before the first load can be lifted, a member of the aircrew disembarks and moves beneath the aircraft to configure the strops ready for use.

If you look closely, you can see the work taking place underneath the aircraft. one of the many preparations required before our ground team can begin hooking up the loads.

27/08/2026

Simple loads. Fundamental skills. 🚁

A Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook operated by 27 Squadron conducts a underslung load serial on the RAF Benson Load Park, with a 10m strop on the aft hook and an 6m strop on the forward hook carrying two netted loads.

Netted loads are one of the most basic configurations we work with, but they’re fundamental to underslung load operations — reinforcing the core skills, procedures and teamwork required before moving onto more complex loads.

26/08/2026

BLADESLAP👋🏻🔊

Whilst one of our ground teams was on the load park preparing for an underslung lift of an ISO Container, the Chinook treated us to plenty of that unmistakable blade slap as it lined up for the load.

That distinctive “whop-whop” is produced by the rotor blades interacting with disturbed airflow and rotor-tip vortices. A sound you’ll recognise long before you see the aircraft.

24/08/2026

A Royal Navy Merlin on the RAF Benson Load Park isn’t something our ground teams get to work with too often.

With the Merlin conducting a number of underslung load serials, it gave the teams some useful exposure to a different aircraft type and its SOPs.

One of those differences is the use of two thumbs-up signals. The first confirms to the aircrew that the load has been securely attached to the aircraft/strop. Once the aircraft gains height and tension is taken on the load, a second thumbs up confirms the load is clear with no tangles.

A good opportunity to work with a different aircraft and put different procedures into practice.

15/08/2026

Throwback to Farnborough Airshow 🚁

Supporting the RAF Chinook Role Demo Team one of our ground teams hooked up a Land Rover and Trailer as an underslung load from RAF Odiham Load Park, while an additional team travelled onboard the aircraft to Farnborough.

Support onboard included a Quad Bike Driver and personnel ready to support the next stage of the demonstration.

Once the aircraft arrived at the onboard team rapidly disembarked the Chinook before de-rigging the Land Rover and Trailer.

14/08/2026

RAF Benson Families Day 2026 🚁🇬🇧

Up close with the at RAF Benson Families Day.

Our ground team positioned on top of the ISO container, ready to hook up as the Chinook moved overhead before lifting the load from the Load Park.

Another opportunity to showcase the Chinook’s underslung load capability and the teamwork required between the ground team and aircrew.

01/08/2026

RAF Odiham Families Day 2026

Supporting the RAF Chinook Role Demo Team throughout the 2026 display season, our ground teams were proud to play a key role at RAF Odiham Families Day.

Alongside delivering the underslung load role demonstration, a second team was stood up to provide passenger handling for families taking to the skies during the morning flying programme.

From preparing the display to supporting every sortie, it was another great opportunity to showcase the teamwork, professionalism and capability that underpin aviation support operations.

22/07/2026

Farnborough Airshow 2026 – Day 3

PEGASUS 1 crewed by the RAF Chinook Role Demo Team returned to RAF Odiham Load Park after a short circuit around the local area, holding ready for its display slot at Farnborough Airshow.

Earlier in the serial, the ground team rigged and attached a Land Rover and Trailer underslung load, demonstrating the close coordination between aircrew and ground crew that enables safe and efficient aviation lift operations.

With the load secure and checks complete, the aircraft departed to Farnborough to showcase the capability of the mighty CH-47 Chinook.

20/07/2026

Day 1 at Farnborough International Airshow.🚁🪝

With the RAF Chinook Role Demo Team at the controls, our ground teams prepared a Land Rover and Trailer for underslung lift operations. From final checks and hook-up to wheels off the ground, every movement relies on teamwork, precision and clear communication between aircrew and ground personnel.

A simple load on paper, but one that showcases the fundamentals of the capability that underpins complex underslung load operations across Defence.

08/07/2026

Capel Military Show 2026 🚁

A small team from JHSS deployed to Capel Military Show over the weekend, showcasing the Squadron’s role in enabling Defence aviation lift and engaging with members of the public on the capabilities we provide across operations, exercises and training.

Alongside public engagement, the team provided passenger handling support for Air Cadets taking to the skies aboard a Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook. For many, it was a rare opportunity to experience flight in one of the RAF’s most iconic aircraft and gain an insight into the world of military aviation.

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RAF Benson
Wallingford
OX106AA

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