The mainstay of the UK's SAR cover in the 60/ 70's was the Whirlwind. The old Whirly had no AP, not even a stick trim. Winching was a bit of fun, in manual throttle too. Seemed to work alright back then but time has moved on. SAR is probably the most demanding role anywhere. To be safe and effective, the best equipment, the best training, the best crews and the best system and organisation are needed. The problem comes when you try to hide a weakness or deficiency behind a strength, or even worse a perceived strength, somewhere else in the equation..