A High-speed R.A.F. Rescue Launch -
illustration from the Eagle (4th November 1955)

Each known as H.M.A.F.V. (Her Majesty's Air Force Vessel), these launches belong to the Royal Air Force's Search and Rescue organization and work in conjunction with helicopters and other aircraft. They are responsible for finding and rescuing the crews of all aircraft, both civil and military, and also help in any emergency, working with coastguards and lifeboatmen. They are stationed at various places round the shores of Britain and are ever ready to go to the aid of survivors of an aircraft crash or shipwreck.

These 68-foot launces have three engines of a total of 1,500 h.p., giving them a speed of 25 knots, and are equipped with special radar which makes it easy to move into and out of harbour quickly, regardless of fog conditions.

Key to numbered parts: (1) Towing eye. (2) Towing winch and emergency steering position. (3) Starboard engine exhaust. (4) Starboard propeller and rudder. There are three of each. (5) Starboard 500 h.p. Napier Sea Lion engines. There are three. (6) Vee drive to propeller shaft. The centre engine drives direct. (7) Engine room. (8) Rescue float. (9) Fresh-water float. (10) Forward engine-room hatch. (11) Engine-room ventilator. (12) Refuelling hatch. (13) Rescue net. (14) Fuel tanks; 2,250 gallons. (15) Rescue ladder. (16) Cabin air heater. (17) Companion way to below deck, with slides for stretchers. (18) Radio room. (19) Captain's cabin. (20) Officers' wash and toilet. (21) Sick bay with accommodation for five stretcher cases. (22) Galley. (23) Steering control drive. (24) Cot beds (stowed). (25) Crew's quarters. (26) Watertight door. (27) Anchor capstan. (28) Hatch. (29) Crew's wash and toilet. (30) Life-lines. (31) Helmsman in wheelhouse with compass and engine throttle controls. (32) Radar screen. (33) Navigating officer and chart table. (34) Navigating bridge with compass and searchlight. (35) Cage aerial. (36) Sense aerial. (37) Homing aerial. (38) Directional aerial. (39) Very high frequency aerial. (40) Radar scanner. (41) Movable loud-speaker.