RAF Typhoons tested in Arctic conditions during exercise Snow Rider in Finland

RAF Typhoons have been put to the test in Finland's freezing conditions as pilots refined their ability to operate on icy runways.

Pilots from 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron (TES), based at RAF Coningsby, took part in Exercise Snow Rider, working alongside the Finnish Air Force at Tikkakoski and Halli Air Bases.

The aim was to expand the Typhoon's capability to land and take off on low-friction surfaces.

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"With the Finnish air being so dry, we had to create our own reduced friction surfaces by spraying water and letting it freeze," said Flight Lieutenant Louis King, 41 TES Operations Officer.

"The airfield maintenance team would then drive their friction reader down the runway to get an accurate surface friction until we had obtained the correct conditions to test."

To assess the aircraft's handling, personnel created a controlled ice strip and took 285 friction measurements along the runway.

RAF and QinetiQ specialists worked with Finnish colleagues to develop techniques for winter operations.

For RAF Coningsby Photographer AS1 Joshua Whiting, on his first overseas deployment, the conditions were a shock.

"Finland is beautiful, but it was seriously cold. Because of the temperatures, they were careful about how to take off and land, and I had to be patient.

"It's a very dry sort of cold, and as soon as you're outside for about 30 seconds, your fingers will turn blue if you're not wearing the proper clothes."

Air Marshal Alan Marshall, RAF Air and Space Commander, described the exercise as "highly rewarding and valuable," adding: "Exercise Snow Rider has been a great success and once again demonstrated our capability to operate in all environments."

The exercise reinforced the Typhoon's adaptability in extreme conditions while strengthening ties with the Finnish Air Force.