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Speed, slope, and synchrony: Empirical insights into SAR searcher behavior

Speed, slope, and synchrony: Empirical insights into SAR searcher behavior

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  • Source: Original paper

  • Author(s): Amanda Hashimoto, Eighdi Aung, Robert Koester and Nicole Abaid.

  • Citation: Hashimoto A, Aung E, Koester R, Abaid N (2026). Speed, slope, and synchrony: Empirical insights into SAR searcher behavior. PLOS ONE, 21(6), e0339541.

  • Publisher(s): Public Library of Science (PLOS).

  • DOI:

  • Publication date: 15 June 2026.

  • Country: United States.

Limitations: A small Virginia dataset; movement was measured, not detection success. It does not establish an optimum pace or spacing for UK searches.

Training influence: Compare route/hasty and sweep tasks in exercises. Assess pace, maintenance of formation, terrain-related gaps and reporting when progress differs from the briefing.

Training sections: ground-search tactics; terrain movement; spacing and coverage; team-leader practice.

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