UK Chinook Mk 6 Completes First Flight with Infrared Suppression System to Defeat Heat-Seeking Missiles

The United Kingdom’s Chinook Mk 6 tactical transport helicopter has successfully completed its first flight fitted with a new Infrared Suppression System (IRSS), according to an announcement by Boeing on July 16, 2025. This milestone marks a critical advancement in protecting UK military helicopters against heat-seeking missile threats, especially in modern war zones where such weapons are widely used.

The test flight was part of Boeing’s IRSS development and validation program, and it represents the largest-ever IRSS installation trial on a British Chinook in over a decade. During the test, the helicopter was seen equipped with extended exhaust mounts—the heart of the IRSS technology—which are designed to cool and disperse engine heat, making it much harder for infrared-guided missiles to lock onto the aircraft.

The Infrared Suppression System works by reducing the infrared signature of the Chinook’s engines. Heat-seeking missiles like MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) or air-to-air missiles use engine heat to track their target. By minimizing this heat signature, the system enhances the helicopter’s ability to operate in asymmetric warfare environments and also provides better protection in high-tech conflict zones against advanced air defense systems.

The Chinook Mk 6 is the UK’s most modern variant of the globally renowned CH-47 Chinook. It is based on the U.S. CH-47F Block I model but has been heavily customized for British military needs. Key features include:

• A fully digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS) for greater stability and ease of control

• Powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, each delivering 4,868 shaft horsepower

• A modern glass cockpit with GPS/INS navigation and digital moving maps

• BOWMAN-compatible secure radios for communication

• An Advanced Defensive Aids Suite (DAS) with missile warning sensors and countermeasure dispensers

Back in 2021, the UK Ministry of Defence signed a $2 billion Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. to buy 14 new CH-47 Extended Range (CH-47ER) Chinooks from Boeing. These new helicopters are intended to replace older Mk 5 and Mk 6 versions, and will come fully equipped with IRSS, long-range fuel tanks, upgraded avionics, and the latest survivability enhancements. These helicopters are expected to serve the British Army well into the 2040s.

The Chinook has been a core part of British Army aviation since 1980, operating under the Joint Helicopter Command. It has proven itself in a wide range of missions including troop transport, resupply, casualty evacuation, special operations, and humanitarian aid. With the capacity to carry up to 55 fully equipped soldiers or more than 10 tonnes of internal payload, it remains the UK’s primary heavy-lift platform.

The successful flight with IRSS confirms that the system is viable for wider adoption across the UK’s Chinook fleet. It also highlights the importance of adapting legacy platforms like the Chinook to meet the evolving threats of modern warfare, especially from portable and advanced heat-seeking missile systems.

As threats continue to grow more complex, Boeing’s IRSS integration stands as an important example of how modern modular upgrades can extend the operational life and effectiveness of existing aircraft. For the British Army, this means stronger protection, greater mission capability, and sustained readiness for the decades ahead.

The Chinook Mk 6, now with IRSS, continues to demonstrate why it is among the most capable heavy-lift helicopters in NATO service, blending proven performance with cutting-edge protection technologies to meet the challenges of the 21st-century battlefield.