JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

surface SRUs can arrive.
a. SAR helicopters are usually equipped with a hoisting
device for rescue and delivery operations. Most non-SAR
helicopters do not have this equipment and must land or hover
just off the surface to pick up survivors. Amphibious
helicopters operate on both land and water surfaces, providing
an optional method for rescuing survivors. Hovering ability
decreases with increasing altitude, and is generally limited
to about 6,000 to 10,000 feet maximum altitude.
b. Small, light helicopters are usually limited to
visual flight or, in some cases, daylight flight only. While
SAR helicopters are normally instrumented for both inclement
weather and night flying, some may be prohibited from night
hovering. Short- and medium-range helicopters usually have
some navigational capability; many SAR helicopters have full
navigational capability for isolated and oceanic area flight.
Turbulence, gusting winds, or icing may limit helicopter use.
2. Land-based fixed-wing aircraft are excellent search platforms
and can transport droppable supplies or pararescue personnel.
Large aircraft normally require prepared surfaces from which
to operate, while many small aircraft are capable of safely
conducting operations from grassy or improvised strips. Where
suitable landing strips are not far from the distress scene,
fixed-wing aircraft can be used to expedite the evacuation of
survivors brought out by helicopter, ground party, or other
means. Fixed-wing aircraft can also direct surface craft or a
ground rescue party to the scene once the target is located.
If equipped with skis, they may effect rescue by using frozen
lakes or rivers as runways. Such operations may be hazardous,
and the urgency of the situation should be carefully
considered before undertaking them.
3. Ship-based aircraft, usually helicopters, operate with great
flexibility because of their well-equipped, mobile base. They
are often capable of sustained search operations in remote
areas where lengthy en route time reduces on scene endurance
of land-based SRUs. The ship itself is usually well equipped
to assist in rescue operations, and to receive and medically
assist survivors.
4. An abbreviated SAR classification of aircraft; has been
published by IMO and ICAO:
a. Fixed-wing aircraft Abbreviation
Short-range (radius of action
of 150 NM, plus 1/2 hour
search remaining) SRG
Medium-range (radius of action