Impressive images show British Chinooks moving 6.6-tonne support bridge in Estonia

British Chinooks deployed in Estonia have been practising moving a Close Support Bridge, which weighs a whopping 6.6 tonnes.

The bridge, which is 13.5m long and 4m wide, can support all types of armoured vehicles and helps the battlegroup navigate the boglands of Estonia with ease – as well as allowing personnel to operate without using civilian infrastructure.

It was the first time Chinooks had moved a Close Support Bridge in Estonia, with the helicopters deployed to the country as part of Nato's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup.

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Currently, personnel are taking part in the annual 1st Estonian Brigade-led Exercise Winter Camp, with Chinook helicopters transporting French mountain commandos.

It also sees the helicopters practise unusual under-slung load manoeuvres – including the Close Support Bridge lift.

Flight Lieutenant Rosie Spencer, Joint Helicopter Support Squadron, said the exercise was "an excellent opportunity for our crews to carry out unusual and interesting tasks in a challenging environment".

"It was great to work with Royal Engineers with a complex underslung load."

"Certainly, for me and my team out here it was a load we haven't done before."