Air Force combat search and rescue has come up with a creative way to free up space in the crowded cabins of their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters—attach an inflatable rubber raft to the helicopter’s undercarriage. Called the kangaroo duck—for its resemblance to a kangaroo’s joey pouch—the rubber raft provides extra storage space for weapons and supplies and also streamlines water rescue operations. After analyzing lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, the CSAR community discovered they needed the ability to deliver boats to flooded areas—without hogging space in the cabin. “The K-Duck concept alleviates this dilemma, while adding an extra ‘pouch’ to store equipment,” said Lt. Col. Terry Johnson, 38th Rescue Squadron commander. Lt. Col. Lee Pera, 347th Rescue Group deputy commander, added that although the pouch adds up to 1,500 pounds when fully loaded, “there is very little effect on the flying quality.”
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.