Night Aerial Search for Aviators Downed at Sea (Optimum Search Procedures)

摘要

Navy tests have demonstrated that the helmet of a Naval aviator downed and afloat at night can be sighted from a searchlight-equipped rescue helicopter if the helmet is covered with a retrodirective reflecting material. The new H2(HU2K) rescue helicopter is equipped with an electricallycontrolled spotlight for night sea-search; this report speci fies the optimum procedures. A newly marketed, improved reflecting material produces a 10-fold increase in area search-rate and a greater probability of detection when white caps are present. Optimum procedures for using the new material are specified by this report. (Author)