In pictures: Stunning photos show off RAF Chinooks exercising in Californian desert

RAF Chinooks from 27 Squadron are currently deployed in California, with stunning photos showing the helicopters exercising in the desert.

The aircraft have been carrying out Desert Environmental Training, but have also been practising specialist skills such as Low Ambient Light Operations (LALO), mountain flying, gunnery and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE).

The desert training environment challenges the aircraft and the crew operating it – both in the air and on the ground.

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While the heat is the biggest challenge, the dusty conditions also mean engineers must stay on top of their game.