The challenges of accurately simulating naval helicopter launch and recovery operations have been actively researched over many years, both in industry and academia. However, the same problem remains – how accurate does the whole simulation package and its various components need to be, such that the simulation data can be reliably used to support the generation of Ship/Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOLs). The UK the Ministry of Defence Chinook helicopter Delivery Team identified a need to utilize simulation for the first time as part of an integrated, safe and progressive approach to the development of SHOLs for the Chinook aircraft. If sufficient evidence can be generated on the validity of the simulation, then the opportunity exists to more widely utilize simulation data as a cost effective ally to data generated during flight trials at sea. The Ship/Air Interface Framework (SAIF) simulation architecture was initially developed over 15 years ago, and has recently been updated to provide a more open and flexible flight simulator interface. This has allowed high fidelity models of ship motion and air wake effects to be integrated with an engineering flight simulator of the Chinook helicopter, providing the pilot with a more realistic simulation of the dynamic operating environment. Initial simulation trials of the Chinook operating from the new Tide Class tanker vessel were conducted in 2017, prior to sea trials to be conducted in 2018. This paper will describe the driving factors for the increased use of simulation to support the Ship/Air Integration clearance process and the latest design evolution of the SAIF architecture. Several areas for fidelity improvements in different functional areas of the simulation are also highlighted, including visual fidelity and rotor wake interaction. An evidence based methodology for the verification and validation of the simulation is also required to enable greater acceptance of simulation-based data.