Royal Navy search-and-rescue helicopters normally hover and lower a rescuer or winch instead of settling on the sea. The North Sea and Atlantic examples explain why crews would avoid a water landing. The comparison with Soviet helicopters suggests that float requirements may have survived from flying-boat doctrine. The panel is uncertain how often Soviet crews used them in practice and whether the Baltic would provide suitable conditions. A theoretical ability to alight on water therefore did not necessarily become routine rescue practice.
Notable Point · 4:36:33-4:38:06
Why naval helicopters usually avoid water landings
British maritime helicopters rescue people by hovering and winching because landing on the North Sea or Atlantic is usually more dangerous than remaining airborne.