The series was often praised for its realism. The SAR 71, a Bell UH-1D, is actually a real air-rescue helicopter that was used until 2006.
In some episodes a different helicopter, a Bell 205, was used because the real SAR 71 wasn't available. In fact, this helicopter was also used in the Sylvester Stallone movie Cliffhanger.
With the beginning of season 8, a new logo was used and the title-theme got a new arrangement to be up-to-date with the music style of the time.
The SAR 71 Bell UH-1D is called Anneliese; Patrick Wolff, who plays Oberfeldwebel Johannes von Storkow, learned acting and singing from Anneliese Hofmann de Boer.
On 14.03.2002 the real SAR 71 crashed while on rescue. The crew didn't survive; five soldiers died.