- Very fast
- avoids radar/detection
- water based
My first assumption is that this is for stealth ops. "Rescue" doesn't need those features.
My first assumption is that this is for stealth ops. "Rescue" doesn't need those features.
A NH90 helicopter is faster, at 190mph (300km/h) and have longer range at 500 miles (800km). It also doesn't have to land to rescue someone.
As other commenters have pointed out, search and rescue doesn't mean you're not going to get shot at. I agree with everyone else though that it's obviously going to be used for more than SAR.