Even if the booster could hover, any LAMPS guy will tell you the sea state would make recovery a tricky business.
From a flight deck of a Perry Class frigate in rough seas, the helicopter looks as if it's being tossed around the sky. The rational part of me knew that the helo was pretty steady, I was the one violently moving side to side, up and down. If it was bad enough we'd use the RAST and pull the helo down.
One night the boat raised up high enough I got hit in the shoulder by the landing gear. Scary stuff.
I don't think what they are doing is impossible, just damb difficult. I would have aborted the attempt if it were me after looking at the sea conditions. But, it wasn't me and it ain't my money. I will however give them kudos for hitting the target, not an easy task either.
From a flight deck of a Perry Class frigate in rough seas, the helicopter looks as if it's being tossed around the sky. The rational part of me knew that the helo was pretty steady, I was the one violently moving side to side, up and down. If it was bad enough we'd use the RAST and pull the helo down.
One night the boat raised up high enough I got hit in the shoulder by the landing gear. Scary stuff.
I don't think what they are doing is impossible, just damb difficult. I would have aborted the attempt if it were me after looking at the sea conditions. But, it wasn't me and it ain't my money. I will however give them kudos for hitting the target, not an easy task either.