@tdracer -
1) A few days, if more signals are detected.
2) SSS is already there, on a number of craft.
3) See 1).
4) Submersibles are already on the SAR craft in the search zone. Interestingly, the Chinese have the worlds deepest-capacity submersible (7000M).
5) A few days to "go take a look". If confirmed, recovery could take several weeks to several months.
The major advantage of the search zone is the region is favoured with regular fine weather.
China's deep-sea exploration abilities -
http://www.maritimeindia.org/china%E...-building.html