Had similar thoughts Rotum,
Wouldnt have thought the 604 would make the most ideal SAR aircraft.
Speed to the area of search perhaps, but loiter time low level when on station?. Any 604 experts out there could give enlightenment?
One thing for sure the guvmint forked out a Pile of $$$ for range capable corporate aircraft during the SAR response to the Malasian 777 disappearance.
Surely this is not in response to that? it's something that dosnt come up very often and 604's are not exactly cheap to operate.