In most cases, rescue swimmers are lowered using the AW101’s winch directly on the deck of the ship, but sometimes they must jump into the ocean and swim towards the ship

The AW101 a performs an AFCS-controlled hover - the AFCS can be easily disengaged during emergencies

The Lajes Field area is often used as a training ground for pilots and winch operators to practice approaches to the ground

Some exercises involve other units from the FAP or other Portuguese military air arms, like the Marinha (Navy). Here, the Joao Coutinho-class corvette, NRP Jacinto Candido (F476), is acting as a distressed ship while the Merlin crew lowers a rescue swimmer to the deck

A typical training mission, performed on the coast, south of BA6 in Montijo, involves the use of the Hi-Line technique in which both equipment and rescue personnel are lowered to a crewman

The AW101’s rear cargo ramp is used for troop embarkation/disembarkation or MEDEVAC duties. During SAR operations, the lateral cargo door is paired to a winch, folded away when not in use

The 60,000 lumens searchlight is a Spectrolab SX-16 NightSun In-Flight Change Over (IFCO), which can switch from white light to filtered infrared light during flight. Its operation increases the helicopter’s search range by up to 1nm

Training is the best way to achieve better results during real operations. Here, a rescue swimmer and a stretcher are lowered from the AW101 using the winch

A Esc 751-operated AW101 at BA6 in Montijo, prepares to take off for a training sortie.

Serial 19610 is one of the four Merlin Mk.516s configured for CSAR operations. It has a folding tail pivot on the right, folding blades, missile and radar warning receivers, chaff and flares dispensers, armour plating and a provision to mount three machine guns on the doors and ramps