Aérospatiale AS365 Dauphin 2
Airbus Helicopters · France · first flew 1975 · helicopter
The Aérospatiale AS365 Dauphin 2 is a twin-turboshaft light-to-medium helicopter distinguished by its fenestron shrouded tail rotor, widely used in civil, military, and coast guard roles worldwide. It succeeded the single-engine SA 360 Dauphin and became one of the most commercially successful French helicopters.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.44 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Fenestron ducted tail rotor — most distinctive recognition feature
- Twin turboshaft engines side-by-side above cabin
- Used by US Coast Guard as HH-65 Dolphin
The fenestron enclosed tail rotor is the definitive recognition feature; combined with a rounded composite fuselage, retractable undercarriage (on some variants), and twin engine exhausts above the cabin roof.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale AS365 Dauphin 2 has a length of 11.44 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.94 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1975, the twin-engine Dauphin 2 offered superior safety and performance over the earlier single-engine Dauphin. Aérospatiale won a major US Coast Guard contract in the early 1980s, with the type entering service as the HH-65 Dolphin for short-range rescue operations. The design was continuously refined and eventually evolved into the EC155 and H155.
Variants
Numerous civil and military variants; military derivatives became the AS565 Panther; the US Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin is the most recognisable export variant.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated across civil, offshore oil, law enforcement, and military roles on every continent; the HH-65 Dolphin serves the US Coast Guard as a primary short-range rescue helicopter.
Related aircraft
- Aérospatiale AS350 Écureuil
- Airbus H125
- Airbus AS332 Super Puma
- Aérospatiale AS355 Écureuil 2
- Aérospatiale SA 365 C Dauphin 2
- Boeing AH-64 Apache
- Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
- IAR 330
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