Aérospatiale HH-65 Dolphin
Aérospatiale · France · first flew 1980 · helicopter
The Aérospatiale (later Airbus Helicopters) HH-65 Dolphin is a twin-turboshaft light helicopter best known as the US Coast Guard's primary short-range recovery helicopter. It is distinguished by its enclosed fenestron tail rotor, which reduces noise and improves safety around rescue swimmers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Fenestron shrouded tail rotor — distinctive enclosed fan
- US Coast Guard primary short-range rescue helicopter
- Large glazed nose with bulbous cabin
The fenestron shrouded tail rotor is the definitive identification feature — no visible tail rotor blades, just a smooth enclosed fan — combined with a rounded nose and twin-engine hump above the cabin.
Specifications
- The Aérospatiale HH-65 Dolphin has a length of 11.63 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.94 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the Aérospatiale AS 365 Dauphin, the HH-65A entered US Coast Guard service in 1984 after winning a competitive procurement. It has been progressively re-engined and upgraded through HH-65B, C, and D standards. The type has conducted thousands of search-and-rescue missions and is the backbone of USCG air operations along American coastlines.
Variants
HH-65A used Lycoming turboshafts; HH-65B introduced Turbomeca Arriel engines; HH-65C/D added full glass cockpit and further engine upgrades. The commercial version is the AS 365N Dauphin.
Where you'll see it
Primary operator is the US Coast Guard; the commercial AS 365 Dauphin flies globally with law enforcement, EMS, and offshore operators.
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