Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin

Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin
Country	USA
Role	Search and rescue helicopter
First flight	1980
Built	102

The Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin is a twin-engined helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for medevac-capable search and rescue (SAR) and armed Airborne Use of Force missions. It is a variant of the French-built Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin.

Source: Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin on Wikipedia

HH-65C Dolphin Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	36

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 01

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 02

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 03

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 04

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 05

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 07

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 06

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 08

Eurocopter HH-65C Dolphin 10

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General Characteristics

The MH-65 Dolphin is the primary Short Range Recovery (SRR) helicopter for the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It is an Americanized variant of the French-built Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. The MH-65 is known for its distinctive Fenestron tail rotor and its advanced digital flight management system, which provides unique safety and auto-hover capabilities essential for search and rescue (SAR) missions.

Property	Typical Value (MH-65C/D/E Variant)
Role	Search and Rescue (SAR), Law Enforcement, Interdiction
Manufacturer	Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters)
Entered USCG Service	1985 (as HH-65A)
Crew	4 (2 Pilots, 1 Flight Mechanic/Hoist Operator, 1 Rescue Swimmer)
Rotor Diameter	11.94 m (39 ft 2 in)
Length (with rotor blades)	13.53 m (44 ft 5 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	4,300 kg (9,480 lb)

Design and Powerplant

Engines: Two Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshaft engines. (Original HH-65A used Lycoming LTS101 engines).
Power Output: Approximately 636 kW (853 shp) per engine. The engine upgrade provides 40% more power than the original configuration.
Tail Rotor: Features the Fenestron (shrouded tail rotor), which is safer for ground crews and produces less noise than a conventional tail rotor.
Autopilot: Equipped with a sophisticated digital autopilot that can automatically fly pre-programmed search patterns and bring the aircraft to a stable 15 m (50 ft) hover above a selected object (an important safety feature for hoisting).
Construction: Airframe, rotor head, and rotor blades are made of corrosion-resistant composite materials, suitable for the harsh maritime environment.

Performance and Mission Capabilities

Max Cruise Speed: 274 km/h (170 mph, 148 knots).
Maximum Range: Approximately 650 km (350 nautical miles).
Endurance: Around 3 hours.
Service Ceiling: 5,486 m (18,000 ft).
Armament (MH-65C/D/E): Equipped for Airborne Use of Force (AUF) missions, including mounting a 7.62 mm M240B/H machine gun and a .50-caliber precision rifle for disabling non-compliant vessels.
Mission Profile: Primarily a Short Range Recovery (SRR) aircraft, performing SAR, counter-narcotics, homeland security patrols, and operating from medium/high endurance Coast Guard Cutters.
Latest Variant (MH-65E): Features a complete digital glass cockpit (Common Avionics Architecture System – CAAS) and advanced navigation capabilities, extending the service life to the 2030s.