Observations on Combat Search-and-Rescue Training Organized by a Regiment of Naval Aviation University: Rescuers Descend from the Sky onto a Cliff Face

Rescuers Descend from the Sky onto a Cliff Face

——Observations on Combat Search-and-Rescue Training Organized by a Regiment of Naval Aviation University

■ Meng Shuai, PLA Daily Special Correspondent Guo Lingling

In the height of summer, a regiment of Naval Aviation University launched a combat search-and-rescue training exercise without warning in an unfamiliar area. Unlike previous exercises, this training involved no advance route reconnaissance and no pre-established rescue plan. The exercise control group conducted real-time direction throughout using an "airborne coordinate-assignment" (空中给定坐标) mode. Participating crews assessed the situation in real time and selected tactics flexibly, undergoing a combat-realistic test in a complex and true-to-life battlefield environment.

"A warplane has been struck by 'enemy' fire; the pilot has ejected—organize a search-and-rescue immediately!" Upon receipt of the command post's order, the regiment's flight instructor Wu Hao led his crew airborne. Simultaneously, two of the regiment's fighter aircraft took off from an airfield, reached the mission airspace first, and successfully established a security perimeter. The fighters then conducted alternating cover and search operations, relaying real-time battlefield situational information to Wu Hao's crew and clearing a safe "air corridor" for the rescue operation.

Unexpectedly, upon reaching the target airspace, Wu Hao's crew found the rescue extremely difficult: the pilot's parachute landing point was on the face of a near-vertical cliff, surrounded by treacherous terrain and dense thorny undergrowth, with no flat landing area whatsoever. Moreover, airflow in the mountain valley was turbulent, and the rotor wash sent debris and dead branches flying in all directions.

Confronted with this unforeseen and dangerous situation, Wu Hao's crew abandoned the conventional "play it safe, avoid risk" (求稳避险) approach and decisively adjusted the rescue plan. Ten meters, five meters, three meters—Wu Hao maneuvered the helicopter incrementally closer to the cliff face, ensuring the rotor tips maintained a safe clearance from the rock at all times, and successfully brought the helicopter to a hover at a safe altitude.

"Combat search-and-rescue is a critical link in recovering ejected pilots on the battlefield," the regiment's leadership explained. In recent years, they have constructed full-terrain rescue scenarios encompassing forests, cliffs, and open water, and regularly organize various combat-realistic training events including nighttime search-and-rescue and minimum-deck rescue operations, driving deep integration between frontline training experience and institutional instructional content, and continuously enhancing battlefield search-and-rescue capability.

"Rescue swimmer, exit the aircraft!" On that order, rescue swimmer Zhang Wei, carrying a first-aid kit and a folding stretcher and attached to a steel cable, exited the aircraft. Under the combined interference of the strong airflow generated by the rotors and the crosswinds in the mountain valley, the cable swung violently. Relying on strong psychological composure and practiced skill, Zhang Wei continuously adjusted his body posture, achieved precise positioning, and successfully landed on a rock not far from the "distressed pilot."

Assessing injuries, controlling bleeding and applying bandages, securing the stretcher, signaling for the hoist—the entire sequence of rescue actions was executed in one fluid motion. Just as the rescue was nearing completion, the command post suddenly issued an emergency report: "'Enemy' ground search elements are closing in—withdraw immediately!"

Wu Hao decisively ordered the hoist accelerated and maneuvered the helicopter to break away from the cliff face rapidly. At the same time, the fighter formation immediately moved forward and conducted precision simulated strikes against "enemy" ground targets. Through close coordination among all participating personnel, the crew successfully transferred the "distressed pilot" to safety and accomplished the rescue mission in full.

As the sun set and its last light spread across the flight line, another group of trainees assembled quickly, ready to enter the next search-and-rescue engagement.