Uncrewed Aerial System Integration in United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue

This work presents a safety-centric method for integrating Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations using Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis and a playbook-style Concept of Operations. It identifies safety constraints and operational requirements, then develops structured “plays” modeled on sports playbooks to facilitate coordination between helicopters and Uncrewed Aerial Systems across various operational phases. The Work Models that Compute framework simulates these plays in a range of conditions to evaluate search effectiveness and asset coordination. Results show that Uncrewed Aerial System integration can enhance operational effectiveness without increasing risk when properly coordinated.