Did some work on wet film cameras which were used on fast jet recce aircraft, and the technology (which was all mechanical) was a delight to behold. The images were stunning, and the ability to photogragh from horizon to horizon was ideal for the purpose in mind. Undoubtedly it would be useful in this case, but i don't believe there is a fast jet platform that has the legs to get to the search area and work the grid as effectively as the long range asw aircraft.