A DISTINCTIVE VISITOR will be seen operating from RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks over the next two weeks in the form of instantly recognisable Chinook helicopters.
Three of the aircraft belonging to 27 Squadron based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire are operating out of the Moray base, supported by 70 ground and aircrew staff.
Lossiemouth will host the detachment until the end of this month as they take the opportunity to train – with their operations including exercises alongside 39 Engineering Regiment at Kinloss Barracks, mountain flying over the Cairngorms and live firing at the Tain weapon range.
The detachment is being led by Squadron Leader Justin Shaw, who said: “Operating in Scotland provides a unique and invaluable experience for my crews.
“Demanding terrain and changeable weather, coupled with the experience of operating from an unfamiliar airfield, will allow the detachment personnel to fully develop their aviation skills in the challenging environment of northern Scotland.”
The Chinook has been the heavyweight in the RAF’s helicopter armoury for well over 30 years – and people in Moray may be able to catch a glimpse of them practicing skills such as transporting underslung military equipment and undertaking gunnery sorties.
An RAF Lossiemouth spokesman said: “The Chinook is an able and versatile support helicopter that can be armed with crew served weapons to provide self-defence, and can be operated from land or ship in such diverse environments as the Arctic, jungle and desert.”