This study examines the problem of evaluating the capabilities of both conventional and high performance craft in the Search and Rescue mission. The methodology developed, if extended to include all missions, may serve as a decision aid in determining the resources to be utilized in the future by the Coast Guard. A model is constructed which evaluates the SAR potential of any vehicle type conditioned upon the design parameters of the craft. This study concentrated on specific high performance watercraft, conventional surface vessels, and the HH52-A Sikorsky helicopter. The results show that the helicopter outperforms all other resources in total SAR capability even though it is unable to render assistance in all SAR categories. Of the craft considered, the 82 foot WPB is shown to be the most cost-effective. (Author)
Evaluation of Vehicle Performance in Coast Guard Search and Rescue Missions
1975
119 pages
Report
No indication
English