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

of 400 NM, plus 2 1/2 hours
search remaining) MRG
Long-range (radius of action
of 750 NM, plus 2 1/2 hours
search remaining) LRG
Very-long-range (radius of
action 1,000 NM or more, plus
2 1/2 hours search remaining) VLR
Extra-long-range (radius of action
of 1,500 NM or more, plus
2 1/2 hours search remaining) ELR
b. Helicopters Abbreviation
Light helicopter (maximum
capacity for evacuating one
to five persons/radius of
action up to 100 NM) HEL-L
Medium helicopter (maximum
capacity for evacuating 6 to
15 persons/radius of action
100 to 200 NM) HEL-M
Heavy helicopter (capacity for
evacuating more than 15
persons/radius of action more
than 200 NM) HEL-H
Note: The categories L, M, H refer to the load-carrying capabilities.
Some military helicopters have air refueling capability to extend their
range.
B. General Operational Considerations
1. Range and endurance should be sufficient to allow the SRU to
proceed to the distress, remain on scene as long as required,
and return to base with the required fuel reserve. Range and
endurance may be increased if a refueling site is available
closer to the distress than the SRU's home base.
2. Speed and altitude requirements are determined by the SAR
mission. Electronic search for an ELT or EPIRB requires a
fixed-wing aircraft, capable of operating at high altitude and
high speed, while a visual search for a small target may
indicate the need for an aircraft capable of operating low and
slow.
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