Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Eurocopter, Aérospatiale |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Marseille , France |
| Products | Helicopters |
| Parent | Airbus Group |
The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, which was later rebranded as the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin and initially known as the Aérospatiale SA 365 Dauphin 2, is a versatile, medium-class twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. Originally developed by the French aerospace company Aérospatiale, which merged into the multinational entity Eurocopter during the 1990s, the manufacturer adopted the Airbus Helicopters name in 2014. Produced continuously from 1975 until its last delivery in 2021, the Dauphin is set to be succeeded by the Airbus Helicopters H160, which began operations in 2021.
The Dauphin 2 was derived from the single-engine Aérospatiale SA 360, which did not achieve commercial success, and was redesigned to meet market demands through a twin-engine configuration. It has been operated globally by various civil and military users. Numerous significant variants and specialized models have emerged from this platform, including the military-oriented Eurocopter Panther, the air-sea rescue HH/MH-65 Dolphin used by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Chinese-produced Harbin Z-9, and the advanced Eurocopter EC155.
Development
The SA 365/AS365 Dauphin 2 represents a twin-engine advancement of the single-engine SA 360 Dauphin; recognizing the need for enhanced performance in both civilian and military sectors, Aérospatiale commenced redesign efforts shortly after launching the SA 360. The first twin-engine prototype took flight on 24 January 1975, reaching speeds of up to 170 knots and setting records such as an average speed of 321 km/h on the Paris-London route.
The initial production variant, designated SA 365C, obtained French certification in July 1978 and subsequently received approvals from the US FAA and UK CAA within that year; deliveries started in December 1978. In 1982, the SA 365 N was introduced with more powerful engines, increased use of composite materials, an enhanced cabin design, and retractable landing gear.
Further refinements led to models like the SA 365 N1 with a redesigned Fenestron anti-torque tail rotor system and the SA 365 N2 equipped with Turbomeca Arriel 1C2 engines. In January 1990, the aircraft's designation changed to AS365. The Dauphin has proven successful across various sectors including corporate transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), electronic news gathering (ENG), and search and rescue (SAR).
Several specialized variants were developed from this base: the militarized AS365 K evolved into the widely deployed Panther for utility, troop transport, and maritime missions; a dedicated version operates with the U.S. Coast Guard as the HH/MH-65 Dolphin. Moreover, under license production in China as the Harbin Z-9, it spawned armed derivatives such as the Z-9W and Z-19 attack helicopters.
Design
The AS365 Dauphin is a twin-engine rotorcraft engineered for extended range missions and capable of operating effectively in hot climates or at high altitudes. It is generally powered by two Turbomeca Arriel turboshaft engines, with newer versions incorporating FADEC systems for automated engine start-up and training functionalities. These engines drive a foldable Starflex main rotor alongside a Fenestron anti-torque tail rotor through separate gearboxes connected to independent hydraulic circuits plus an emergency backup system responsible for critical functions such as landing gear operation. Electrical power is supplied by two starter generators supplemented by a NiCad battery and an emergency battery backup. The combination of Starflex main rotor blades and Fenestron tail rotor technology results in reduced noise and vibrations; according to Airbus Helicopters, the AS365 N3 emits noise levels approximately 3.1 decibels below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, making it one of the quietest helicopters in its category. It can perform Category A takeoffs at full payload from sea level.
The airframe includes a main cabin, a separate baggage compartment, and retractable tricycle landing gear. Typically accessed via four conventional doors, there is an option for a clamshell air stair entry. Composite materials such as carbon fiber are utilized in rotor blades and fuselage components that also feature anti-corrosion treatments and structural reinforcements designed to support optional equipment like hoists or cargo slings. Various radar systems can be integrated into the nose section.
The interior cabin layout is adaptable for roles including emergency medical service (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR). It can accommodate up to twelve passengers along with two pilots in a standard configuration or seven passengers when arranged for VIP transport. Large sliding doors on both sides enable easy boarding, often assisted by built-in steps.
Typically equipped with dual flight controls for two pilots, the cockpit can also be operated by a single pilot under instrument flight rules. This capability is supported by avionics such as a four-axis Dual Digital Automatic Flight Control System (earlier models employ a three-axis system with integrated autopilot). Flight control inputs are transmitted through three dual-chamber primary servo units managing cyclic and collective pitch as well as one dual-chamber rear servo controlling tail rotor pitch. Key avionics include multi-mission touch screen displays, weather radar, GPS navigation systems, traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), automatic voice alarm device (AVAD), health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), quick access flight data recorders, and digital audio communication systems (DACS).
Operational history
In February 1980, the initial production batch of the Dauphin established three world speed records during flights connecting Battersea, London, and Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris. The 1985 AS365 F variant was pioneering as the first helicopter to incorporate electronic flight instrument displays, initially acquired by the Irish Air Corps for search and rescue (SAR) operations.
The French Navy employs the Dauphin alongside its military-specific Panther model for maritime search and rescue, coastal surveillance, and emergency response missions. Dauphins frequently operate from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other naval platforms, equipped with a haul-down Harpoon system to enable secure shipboard landings under challenging sea conditions.
By 1980, deliveries of AS360/361/365 Dauphin helicopters reached 265 units, with approximately 90% exported to 23 countries worldwide. Early prominent customers included Saudi Arabia with 24 helicopters and Angola with 17. The Indian operator Pawan Hans emerged as the largest civilian user by 2003, managing a fleet of 19 Dauphins primarily dedicated to offshore oil industry support and planning further expansion.
In February 1991, the milestone of the 500th Dauphin delivery was achieved with an aircraft handed over to Bond Helicopters, which operated a total of 15 at that time. By then, the Dauphin was in service with 138 operators across nearly 45 nations. Eurocopter reported annual production rates between 30 and 40 units as of December 2006. By 2012, cumulative production of AS365/366/565 models surpassed 1,000 units; notably, Pawan Hans received the 1,000th helicopter in April 2011, with over 300 operators globally.
Ahead of the 2004 Summer Olympics, the Hellenic Coast Guard procured five AS356N3 Dauphins for harbor patrol duties. Between 2009 and 2012, the United Kingdom's Army Air Corps acquired five Dauphins assigned to No. 658 Squadron AAC, replacing four AgustaWestland A109 helicopters supporting Special Air Service missions.
As of , the AS365 N variant holds the official world speed record over a course at , established in 1991.
Civilian variants
- SA 365 C
- Announced in early 1973 as a twin-engine iteration named Dauphin 2, this model's prototype first flew on 24 January 1975, with deliveries commencing in December 1978. Compared to its predecessors, the SA 365 C incorporated twin Arriel 1 turboshaft engines, a Starflex main rotor hub, increased maximum takeoff weight (), and a Fenestron anti-torque system featuring thirteen metal blades. Production ceased in 1981 after approximately forty SA 360s and fifty SA 365 C/C1s were built, succeeded by the SA 365 N.
- SA 365 C1
- Powered by Arriel 1A1 engines and certified in March 1979.
- SA 365 C2
- Equipped with Arriel 1A2 engines, receiving certification in February 1980.
- SA 365 C3
- Fitted with Arriel 1C engines and certified as of January 1982.
- SA 365 N
- A major enhancement over the SA 365 C Dauphin 2 variant, this version first flew on 31 March 1979. It introduced Arriel 1C turboshafts, retractable tricycle landing gear, enlarged tail surfaces, along with updated transmission and engine cowling designs. The initial maximum takeoff weight was , later increased to . Deliveries began in 1982.
- SA 365 N1
- Incorporating advancements from the SA 366 G1 (HH-65 Dolphin), this model featured upgraded Arriel 1C1 turboshaft engines, a quieter Fenestron with wider blades, simplified landing gear fairings, and an increased gross weight of .
- AS 365 N2
- From its inception designated AS365 N2, it introduced Arriel 1C2 turboshaft engines paired with an uprated gearbox. The maximum takeoff weight rose to , complemented by redesigned cabin doors and interiors as well as an enlarged tail fin incorporating a composite Fenestron. Deliveries commenced in 1990. Licensed versions have been assembled in China under designations Z-9, Z-19, and AVIC AC312.
- AS365 N3
- Designed for operations in 'hot and high' environments, this variant features Arriel 2C turboshafts equipped with single-channel DECU and manual reversion capabilities. It includes an upgraded transmission for enhanced single-engine performance and a redesigned ten-blade composite Fenestron that reduces noise levels. The gross weight stands at . Production started in December 1998; the final unit was delivered on 21 January 2022.
- AS365 N3+
- Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2009, this version primarily updated avionics systems including a four-axis autopilot. It continues to be manufactured.
- AS365 N4
- Produced under the designation Eurocopter EC 155.
- AS365 X
- Also referred to as DGV 200 or Dauphin Grand Vitesse (High Speed Dauphin), this model evolved from the X-380 DTP test platform which first flew on 20 March 1989. The AS365 X took flight in March 1991 featuring a smaller Fenestron, a new main rotor with five high-inertia blades possessing swept tips, a composite rotor hub/mast assembly, and Turbomeca Arriel IX turboshaft engines. On November 19, 1991, it set a Class E1e speed record of over a triangular course.
- EC155 B/B1
- Initially announced as AS365 N4 during the Paris Airshow in 1997 before being redesignated EC155 B. Sharing similarities with the N3 variant, it is powered by two Arriel 2C/2C2 turboshafts equipped with FADEC and features a five-blade Spheriflex main rotor derived from the AS365 X DGV model. The cabin size was expanded by roughly thirty percent through bulged doors and cabin plugs. The first prototype flew on June 17, 1997; this variant remains in production as EC155 B1.
Military Versions
- AS565 Panther
- Refer to Eurocopter AS565 Panther
- SA 366 G1 Dauphin
- Chosen by the US Coast Guard (USCG) in 1979 to serve as its air-sea rescue helicopter, designated as the HH-65A Dolphin. Initially, 99 units optimized for short-range recovery (SRR) search and rescue missions were acquired, with additional helicopters purchased subsequently.
- SA 365 N Dauphin
- An enhanced model based on the SA 365 C Dauphin 2, which first took flight on 31 March 1979. Enhancements comprised upgraded Arriel 1C turboshaft engines, a retractable tricycle landing gear, larger tail surfaces, and updated transmission and rotor systems. The original maximum takeoff weight was , later increased to . Production started in 1982.
- SA 365 F Dauphin
- A variant tailored for the French Navy, operational since 1991 for general tasks and carrier support roles. It is outfitted with rescue divers during flight to assist pilots. The model underwent initial trials in 1990 aboard the . It has been active since 1999 within Flottille 35F, known as AS365F Dauphin Pedro.
- AS365 N3 Dauphin
- Designed specifically for operations in 'hot and high' environments, this version features Arriel 2C turboshafts with single-channel DECU and an improved transmission system to boost single-engine capabilities. It introduced a redesigned ten-blade composite Fenestron anti-torque rotor that reduces noise levels. The gross weight is . Deliveries commenced in December 1998.
- AS365 N3+
- Unveiled at the 2009 Paris Air Show, this variant primarily incorporates upgraded avionics, including a 4-axis autopilot system.
Operators
The Dauphin is utilized globally by private entities, emergency response units, governmental organizations, and air charter services.
Government Users
- Indonesian National Police
- National Search and Rescue Agency
- National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure
- Serviciul Român de Informații (operating four units)
Military Users
Previous Operators
Exhibited Aircraft
- SA365N Dauphin, registration F-WQAP, exhibited at The Helicopter Museum located in Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom.
- SA365C1 Dauphin 2, with registration VH-PVF, displayed at the Moorabbin Air Museum in Victoria, Australia.
Significant Accidents and Incidents
On 2 July 1999, an Irish Air Corps AS365F crashed into a sand dune amidst dense fog near Tramore while returning from an operation off the Waterford coast, resulting in the loss of all four crew members.
On 4 April 2015, an AS365 operated by Orion Corridor Sdn Bhd crashed close to Kajang, Malaysia, causing the deaths of all six passengers aboard, including Jamaluddin Jarjis, the former Malaysian ambassador to the United States and Rompin Member of Parliament. The helicopter had been returning from the wedding of the Malaysian Prime Minister's daughter.
Further Reading
- Chant, Chris. "A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware." Routledge, 2014. .
- Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark. African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Harpia Publishing, 2011. ISBN 978-0-9825539-8-5.
- Elliott, Bryn. "On the Beat: The First 60 Years of Britain's Air Police, Part Two." Air Enthusiast, May–June 1999, Issue 81, pp.64–69.
- Fontanellaz, Adrien; Cooper, Tom; Matos, Jose Augusto. War of Intervention in Angola, Volume 4: Angolan and Cuban Air Forces, 1985-1987. Helion & Company Publishing, 2021. ISBN 978-1-914059-25-4.
- Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory." Flight International, 11–17 December 2012, Vol.182 Issue 5370, pp.40–64.
- McClellan, J. Mac. "Day of the Dauphin: From France to you: Aerospatiale's Dauphin is the Prince of Helicopter." Flying Magazine, September 1989, Vol.116 No.9, pp.76–80.
- McGowen, Stanley S. Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO, 2005. ISBN 1-85109-468-7.
- Kolodziej, Edward A. Making and Marketing Arms: The French Experience and Its Implications for the International System. Princeton University Press, 2014. ISBN 1-40085-877-1.
- Taylor, John W. R., ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1980-81. Jane's Yearbooks, London, 1980. ISBN 0-7106-0705-9