RAF LOOK AT A400M FOR SAR

A400m for SAR

Yesterday this hit my email list and it is the question being asked in the Cranfield University. Schools Aerospace Challenge 2014 this is the question and RAF requirement

RAF Requirement

The A400M transport aircraft is soon to enter service with the Royal Air Force and it might be possible to use it in a secondary role to provide a long range Search and Rescue capability. SAR aircraft have previously carried and dropped survival equipment including liferafts to assist survivors.

It is suggested that using remote control technology the A400M could carry and deploy a lifeboat that would be steerable to survivors. It would be advantageous if the lifeboat could have a propulsion system to enable it to travel some distance in order to enter known shipping lanes and therefore increase the chances of recovery.

The task is to examine the feasibility of such an idea addressing aspects such as radius of operation of the A400M in the role, its location of survivors, deployment of the lifeboat, and how modern technology could be used within the lifeboat to give survivors the best chance of rescue.

The RAF supports the annual Schools Aerospace Challenge and looks forward to the winners presentation and award ceremony in November.