Hovering at 90ft with any barely any references to put down a load - or undertake a confined area landing - is made easier by the HC6’s D-AFCS.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

One of eight 'fat-tank' HC3s undertakes a dust landing on the Salisbury Plain Training Area. D-AFCS de-risks environmental operations issues such as this. The HC3’s planned Julius AFCS upgrade has been held back to complete both the Julius and D-AFCS cockpit enhancements in one hit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

RAF Odiham confirmed that the final legacy Chinook HC2 recently entered the Project Julius AFCS enhancement programme. The only legacy cockpit aircraft remaining are the HC3s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

Group Captain Richard Maddison OBE, RAF Odiham's station commander and UK Chinook Force CO, said the HC6’s introduction is going extremely well.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

CDF team members, left to right: Flt Lt Christian Hilliker, Master Aircrew Paul Holmes and Sqn Ldr Adam Shave.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

The rear crewman’s role is vital and their confidence in performing confined area landings has been boosted because the helicopter can now be moved in 1 foot increments, keeping the swing very low.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

The upgraded Honeywell Aerospace T55-L-714A engine is common across the Chinook fleet. In addition to the HC6's improved performance and handling, Vmax for the aircraft is 160 knots and aircrew say it is as "smooth as you like".

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

Chinook HC6 ZK552 above the Hampshire countryside near its Odiham base, following its public introduction on June 16 last year.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

The Selex Titan 385 ES-HD FLIR Multi-Sensor Turret, mounted on the aircraft closest to the camera, combines high-performance UK mission-specific sensors such as D-NVG into a single line replaceable unit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

As well as an additional seat, the new rear crewman station has the same tablet-based pre-flight mission planning system as the cockpit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

The Chinook has room for up to 55 troops.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961