An investigation of the performance of the HH-52A helicopter for the overwater, search and rescue mission

The overwater search and rescue mission encompasses a variety of elements from communication facilities to rescue ships and rescue aircraft, both airplane and helicopter. A performance evaluation was conducted on one type of rescue vehicle, the Coast Guard HH-52A helicopter. Conventional flight test techniques, as taught by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, in conjunction with hand-held and aircraft instrumentation were employed to measure and document aircraft performance. The performance of the HH-52A helicopter was found to be inadequate, and several deficiencies were discovered that need to be corrected to improve mission performance. Additionally, when compared to new technology composite structure airframes, engines with improved fuel consumption specifics and improved reliability and maintainability figures, there could be a significant increase in rescue mission capability by modifying the HH-52A or selecting a new aircraft incorporating these technologies. Considering the cost of a major modification effort to an existing airframe approaching the end of its service life, it may be more cost effective to replace the HH-52A with a new aircraft incorporating modern technologies.