Why was a miltary helicopter flying over Chesterfield today?

This afternoon a military helicopter was seen flying over Chesterfield.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Oct 2017, 17:20 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 12:55 BST
An RAF Chinook CH47 was spotted over Chesterfield. Picture Jade Marie BuntingAn RAF Chinook CH47 was spotted over Chesterfield. Picture Jade Marie Bunting
An RAF Chinook CH47 was spotted over Chesterfield. Picture Jade Marie Bunting

A reader contacted us and sent in a picture of the aircraft wanting to know why it was flying over the town at around 3pm today, Tuesday, October 17..

This is not the first time military aircraft has been seen flying over Chesterfield in recent months.

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A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “It was a simple training exercise for the Royal Air Force.

“The helicopter being used was a Chinook CH47 and it was flying very high up.

“It is a big helicopter which can hold around 30 soldiers.”

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine helicopter which has been in service since 1962 and is operated by armed forces around the world.

The RAF uses the Chinook for trooping, resupply, and battlefield Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and for carrying internal and/or underslung loads.

They can carry up to 55 troops (more, usually 24 to 40) and/or up to 10 tonnes of freight. A secondary role includes Search and Rescue.

Related topics:ChesterfieldAmerican