RAF Chinook Role Demonstration Team 2026

Today marks the start of our training work-up period, this week using the simulator, and next week we'll be starting our live flying in preparation for our first show at RAF Cosford on Sunday 14th June! 👊🎉 #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏 Finally, overseeing a safe and exciting Role Demo, is the 2026 Supervisor - Sqn Ldr Matt Bridge. 👐 Bridgey is the second-in-command of 18 Squadron, and has a flock of chickens known as 'The Peckers'. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏 Managing the Role Demo Team for 2026 is Flt Lt Seán Ahearne. 🧑🏼‍✈️ Sean has completed four operational deployments to Mali and the Middle East and is the second-in-command of C Flight, 18 Squadron. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏 Completing the flying crew for the 2026 season is Sgt Liam Mannion. 🤘 Liam joined the RAF straight after school and spent 18 months as a winchman on 202 Squadron before converting to the Chinook. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏 Our next Crewman for the 2026 season is Sgt Cameron ‘Cammy’ Torrance. 🔥 Since joining the Chinook Force, Cammy has deployed on operations and exercises in Estonia, America, Norway and Cyprus. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏🏻 Selected for the role of Lead Crewman for the 2026 season is Sgt Mark ‘Stretch’ Armstrong. 💪 Highlights of Stretch’s career include saving the dam at Whaley Bridge and Aerial Firefighting in Cyprus. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏🏻 Flying as Co-Pilot for the 2026 season is Flt Lt Samuel ‘Sam’ Randle. Originally from the Isle of Man, Sam loves spending his spare time with his wife, Luce, and their diabetic Labrador, Goose. 🐾 #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the team! 👏🏻 The Lead Co-Pilot for the 2026 season is Flt Lt Samuel ‘Sam’ Soroya. 😁 Sam’s selection to the Role Demo is a huge personal privilege and he can’t wait to see you from the air and on the ground! #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Introducing the Team! 👏🏻  The 2026 Chinook Role Demo Captain is Flt Lt Matthew Wehrle. 😁 Having attended airshows at Biggin Hill from a young age, he is delighted to have been selected as the Captain for the 2026 season. #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

From Operations to Air Shows - you can meet the cab, and meet the crew. This is the 2026 Chinook Role Demonstration. 👊🏻🚁😁 #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Sorry we’ve been a bit quiet… we’ve been busy where it counts. 👊🏻 But we’re under new management, and we’re back for the 2026 season. 🚁🎉😁 #operationsfirst #bladeslap #royalairforce #chinook

Catch us over the next 2 days at @FIAFarnborough , our final 2 public shows of the year! #bladeslap #chinookroledemo

A behind the scenes look at our crewmen conducting pre flight checks on the centre hook to make sure it’s safe to carry the 105mm light gun #bladeslap #chinookroledemo

If you haven’t seen our #bladeslap stickers before, check your back ………

New year, new demo! @ChinookDisplay brought the #bladeslap back to #FIA2024 – this time with a new #Chinook role demonstration. Watch the skilled team showcase how the heavy-lift helicopter is used in the field with underslung loads, internally loaded vehicles, and more.

Need a lift? The @ChinookDisplay team has you covered. We caught up with the talented team behind the #bladeslap at #RIAT24 to discuss their new role demonstration. Their incredible maneuvers are aided by the #Chinook's tandem rotor design and digital flight control system.

Big thanks from the crew to everyone who came to visit us at RIAT this weekend. We love meeting you all! #bladeslap #chinookroledemo

That’s a wrap for RIAT 2024, thank you to everyone who came to support us over the weekend!

Put your big orange hands up if you loved seeing the Chinook Role Demo at RIAT this weekend #bladeslap #chinookroledemo @Joint_Heli @airtattoo

Final preparations have been made, the Station Commander has given his approval and we our on our way to Cosford! Can’t wait to bring the #bladeslap this Sunday! Get your big orange hands ready to give us a big wave back #chinookroledemo #rafodiham