Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin
| Company type | Company (manufacturer) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Helicopter manufacturing |
| Headquarters | Grand Prairie, Texas (assembly location) , United States |
| Products | Helicopters, including the MH-65 Dolphin |
The Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin is a twin-engine helicopter utilized by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for missions involving medevac-capable search and rescue (SAR) operations as well as armed Airborne Use of Force. This model is derived from the French-manufactured Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin.
Development
In 1979, the USCG chose the SA366 G1 Dauphin as its new short-range recovery (SRR) helicopter, replacing the Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard. A fleet of 99 helicopters, specifically configured for USCG SAR roles and designated HH-65A Dolphin, was procured. Unlike the HH-52, the HH-65A lacks the capability to land on water. The standard crew complement consists of a Pilot, Copilot, Flight Mechanic, and Rescue Swimmer.
Produced by Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation (later known as Airbus Helicopters) and assembled in Grand Prairie, Texas, the HH-65A was outfitted with American-made Lycoming LTS101-750B-2 turboshaft engines alongside Rockwell Collins avionics systems sourced from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The HH-65 performs a variety of tasks including homeland security patrols, cargo transportation, drug interdiction efforts, icebreaking operations, military preparedness activities, pollution control measures, and search and rescue missions. Its distinctive Fenestron tail rotor combined with an advanced autopilot system allows for stable hovering at approximately 50 feet above water without external assistance, enabling crews to concentrate fully on operational objectives.
To comply with U.S. content regulations, the original Turbomeca Arriel engines were substituted with Honeywell LTS101-750B-2 engines. However, as aircraft weight increased, these engines exhibited reliability problems resulting in multiple in-flight power losses. Despite USCG-funded enhancements culminating in the LTS101-850 model, performance issues persisted.
In response, the USCG launched an engine replacement competition in 1994. By March 2004, it selected the Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG engine—also employed on the EC155—for retrofit. This upgrade commenced that year, improving both safety and operational capabilities. The updated HH-65As and HH-65Bs received new avionics and additional improvements and were redesignated as HH-65Cs.
Design
The HH-65A’s equipment demands exceeded those typical for helicopters weighing less than 10,000 pounds (4,535 kg). Approximately 75% of its airframe—including rotorhead components, blades, and fuselage—is constructed from corrosion-resistant composite materials.
A standout feature is its integrated computerized flight management system that combines modern communications with navigation technology. This system enables automatic flight control allowing the helicopter to maintain a steady hover at 50 feet above a chosen target—critical for safe operation during night or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, it can execute pre-programmed search patterns autonomously so pilots can dedicate attention to target monitoring.
The MH-65’s signature fenestron ducted-fan anti-torque mechanism includes 11 blades rotating within a circular housing located at the base of the tail fin.
Certified for single-pilot operation under instrument flight rules (IFR), the HH-65A was pioneering as the first helicopter equipped with a four-axis autopilot system permitting hands-free hovering over fixed points.
Operational history
Primarily functioning as a Short Range Recovery (SRR) platform, 102 Dolphins are active within the United States Coast Guard fleet. These aircraft are stationed across 17 ports situated along the Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, and Great Lakes regions.
While generally deployed from shore facilities, Dolphins are also capable of operating aboard medium and high endurance Coast Guard Cutters as well as Polar Icebreakers. Their core missions encompass search and rescue efforts, law enforcement including treaty enforcement such as drug interdiction, support for polar icebreaking operations, marine environmental protection initiatives, and maintaining military readiness.
When operating from icebreakers, Dolphins assist by scouting thinner ice passages and conducting airlift missions to isolated communities or transporting researchers engaged in remote scientific studies.
Additionally, the MH-65 conducts patrols within the ADIZ surrounding Washington, D.C., known as the NCR. For this task, seven newly acquired MH-65Cs were specifically procured.
Service in the Israeli Air Force
During the early 1980s, the Israeli Navy aimed to acquire a maritime helicopter capable of over-the-horizon surveillance and target acquisition. After assessing various options such as the Westland Lynx and SH-60 Seahawk, Israel chose the HH-65 Dolphin in 1983. Due to budget constraints, two pre-owned HH-65A developmental test units were purchased from the USCG in 1985. Although these helicopters were owned by the navy, their operation was conducted by the Israeli Air Force.
Initially assigned to 124 Squadron at Palmachim Airbase, a specialized maritime unit named 193 Squadron was established in 1987 specifically to operate these helicopters. On 16 September 1996, one of the HH-65s crashed during a joint nighttime exercise over the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the loss of all three crew members. The second aircraft was withdrawn from service in 1997 and succeeded by the Eurocopter AS565 Panther. Crews typically consisted of an IAF pilot, a mechanic, and a maritime support officer from the Israeli Navy. The helicopters initially bore USCG paint schemes before transitioning to a blue and gray livery.
Variants
- HH-65A
- The original version used by the USCG, equipped with two LTS101-750B-2 turboshaft engines and featuring a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of .
- HH-65B
- This variant involved avionics enhancements on select aircraft, incorporating an NVG-compatible integrated flight management system with GPS-enabled CDU-900G control display units and MFD-255 multifunction displays. These upgrades were carried out starting in March 2001 at the Coast Guard's Aircraft Repair and Supply Center located in Elizabeth City, NC.
- HH-65C
- An improved model based on HH-65A/B featuring Arriel 2C2-CG engines that provide a 40% increase in power output. Additional modifications included an upgraded tail gearbox, an extended avionics bay, higher MTOW, a broader flight envelope, and installation of Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI). The initial retrofit was finalized in October 2004.
- MH-65C
- Developed as part of the USCG's Deepwater initiative for the Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter (MCH), this version introduced a 10-blade low-noise Fenestron tail rotor, repositioned avionics systems, and an Airborne Use of Force (AUF) package allowing both warning and disabling fire capabilities. It has been prominently utilized by the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) since early 2008. Armaments include a Barrett M107CQ 12.7 mm anti-materiel rifle and an M240G 7.62 mm machine gun for counterterrorism engagements.
- MH-65D
- This upgrade of the MH-65C integrates a navigation system compatible with Department of Defense helicopters. The first MH-65D was completed on 20 January 2011 and features Honeywell HG7502 radar altimeter, dual Honeywell H-764G embedded GPS/inertial navigation units, along with Rockwell Collins CDU-7000D control display units. A total of 97 HH/MH-65Cs are planned to receive this enhancement.
- MH-65E
- Incorporates a digital "glass" cockpit through the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) developed by Collins Aerospace, similar to improvements made on the Coast Guard’s MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters. This variant replaces traditional analog automatic flight controls with digital systems and adds digital weather radar capabilities. Deliveries commenced in 2017.
Operators
- Israeli Air Force
- 124 Squadron (Israel) – initially based at Palmachim Airbase
- 193 Squadron (Israel) – stationed at either Ramat David Airbase or Palmachim Airbase