Finding a SAR Plane

While reading Cockpit Conversation this weekend I learned about the selection of the new Canadian fixed wing search and rescue airplane (FWSAR). I'm glad Aviatrix has her finger on the pulse of the nation because I don't seem to have the time to read everything I need to, let alone want to. Leaving aside the political fur ball over the contract I think they picked the right aircraft for the following reasons:

• The C-27J sports military style glazing in the cockpit, where as the C-295 has a more transport category windscreen. When the mission includes prowling around at 500ft AGL in less than ideal weather surrounded by hills or mountains, the more glass and less aluminium around the pilots the better.
• The Spartan shares engines, propeller and avionics with the C-130J which can greatly simplify servicing, maintenance, training and operations.
• SAR pallets can be moved between the C-130J and the C-27J without reconfiguration. While the plan seems to call for all current SAR Hercs to be replaced with the new FWSAR, the ability to move SAR crews and their equipment rapidly to the larger aircraft should the need arise is a big advantage.

And of course it has an in flight operable ramp which is essential for loading, unloading and deployment of SARTECHs and their equipment, and many other elements of SAR operational doctrine. The C-27J also has larger side doors than either the C-295 or the C-130J. While this is good for dropping troops it may be a slight disadvantage for a SAR aircraft. Current SAR configured CC130s replace the rear side doors with a plexiglass window attached to a pedestal mounted swivel/slide chair. For searching the spotter can position the chair very close to the window facing outboard. From this position the spotter can easily view from horizon to nadir. If you haven't seen a C-130 side door, imagine a 737 passenger boarding door replaced with a plexiglass wall. Now imagine your seat is positioned so that your knees are in contact with the plexiglass. There aren't very many better positions for a spotter engaged in search. At 700ft AGL and 130kts it provides a riveting view. It would be nice if the existing doors could be moved from the C-130s to the C-27Js but I don't imagine it would be difficult or expensive to have such a window manufactured for the Spartan.

The final judges will of course be the SARTECHs and their flight crews. They truly are heroes and deserve whatever they need to their job effectively and safely. I hope they like their new kit.

See also The Hunt for Affordable & Effective SAR by Peter Pigott and Replacing the Buffalo in Canadian Defence Review.