HH-65
| HH-65 Dolphin / MH-65 Dolphin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A USCG MH-65 from CGAS Los Angeles over Newport Beach, California. | |
| Role | SAR helicopter |
| National origin | France/United States |
| Manufacturer |
Aérospatiale Eurocopter |
| First flight | 1980 |
| Introduction | 1985 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Coast Guard |
| Number built | 102 |
| Unit cost |
$9 million
|
| Developed from | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
The Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin is a twin-engine, single main rotor, MEDEVAC-capable search and rescue (SAR) helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It is a variant of the French-built Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin.
The SA366 G1 Dauphin version was selected by the United States Coast Guard in 1979 as its new short range recovery (SRR) air-sea rescue helicopter, replacing the Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard. In total 99 helicopters, optimised for the USCG's search and rescue role tasks and given the designation HH-65A Dolphin, were acquired. Unlike the HH-52, the HH-65A is not able to perform water landings. The HH-65 normally carries a crew of four: Pilot, Copilot, Flight Mechanic and Rescue Swimmer.
The Dolphin was manufactured by Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation (later American Eurocopter) in Grand Prairie, Texas. Textron Lycoming's LTS101-750B-2 turboshaft engines were selected for the twin engine powerplant whilst Rockwell Collins manufactured the HH-65's electronic systems in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The HH-65 Dolphin is used for homeland security patrols, cargo, drug interdiction, ice breaking, military readiness, pollution control, and search and rescue missions. The HH-65 is known for its Fenestron tail rotor and its autopilot capabilities, which can complete an unaided approach to the water and bring the aircraft into a stable 50 ft (15 m) hover, or automatically fly search patterns, an ability which allows the crew to engage in other tasks.
...
Wikipedia