O & W
Margins makes a good point - why do we naturally assume that UK Mil SAR :-
a) is the best there is
b) Knows everything and can learn nothing
c) Has always had the best aircraft for the job
This thread is all about UK milSAR and its replacement!!!!
However a. It is pretty good at UK SAR and has an enviable history
b. Everyday is a schoolday and we never stop learning
c. Has had to make the best of what the MoD would give us - fortunately constantly evolving techniques and SOPs along with some equipment upgrades have allowed us to develop wide-ranging capabilities.
Few other countries in the world have such varied environments coupled with such changeable and often unpleasant weather. UKSAR crews, civ or mil, have to be able to operate equally well in the mountains at night or miles out to sea over a heaving fishing vessel.
Being an alpine high altitude specialist in UK is irrelevant.