US Coast Guard Academy cadets studying mechanical engineering have been prototyping a new and improved rescue basket, which could revolutionize the way the USCG conducts search and rescue operations with MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters.
First class cadets Christian Breviario, Riely Brande, Benjamin Crutchfield, Nolan Richerson and Spencer Smith spent the last year working closely with the USCG Research and Development Center to improve upon the current rescue basket design, after receiving input from search and rescue operators in the fleet. M.J. Lewandowski, a research project manager for the RDC, informed:
In 2009, the Research and Development Center conducted an internal Coast Guard study. The study noted that the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to mass rescue incidents was, and still is, somewhat limited in the methods available to remove large numbers of people from a hazardous marine situation quickly and safely.
The RDC and academy leaders approached Breviario and his capstone group, at the beginning of their senior year, to see if improvements could be made to the current design that would increase the Coast Guard’s effectiveness during mass rescue incidents.
We have added a means of entry that is easier for people who may be injured or have limited mobility. We have also maximized the space dimensions of the basket, given the dimensions of the MH-60 Jayhawk cabin. With these modifications we have made the basket more accessible, decreased the amount of time needed per hoisting evolution, and improved upon the effectiveness of the Coast Guard during mass rescue incidents.
The new basket design, which is roomy enough for two individuals to sit comfortably, enables Coast Guard operators to save precious time during mass rescue situations. During mass rescue scenarios where 18 or more victims require helicopter assistance, the cadets have determined that the new basket could cut the time required to get everyone hoisted onboard by half. Ron Adrezin, a mechanical engineering professor and project advisor, added:
The team was tasked with improving the Coast Guard’s response in a search and rescue scenario. The RDC needed the project to meet very specific criteria and the cadets were able to produce a well-designed project that met all of these needs.
The cadets also reconfigured the flotation system of the basket, which increased the buoyancy of the basket by 79 pounds of force. This upgrade will also allow for increased comfort of victims within the basket, as they will be surrounded by buoyant material on all sides.
