Editing Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin

{{Short description|Series of search-and-rescue helicopters}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2017}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = MH-65 Dolphin
| image = File:MH65E Hover.jpg
| image_caption = A MH-65E of the [[United States Coast Guard]]
| aircraft_type = [[Search and rescue]] [[helicopter]]
| national_origin = France/United States
| manufacturer = Aérospatiale Helicopter Corporation<br>[[American Eurocopter]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 1980
| introduction = 1985
| retired = 
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[United States Coast Guard]]
| more_users = 
| produced = 
| number_built = 102
| unit cost = $9 million{{citation needed|date=May 2012}}
| developed_from = [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]]
| variants = 
}}

The '''Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin''' is a twin-engined [[helicopter]] operated by the [[United States Coast Guard]] (USCG) for [[Medical evacuation|medevac]]-capable [[search and rescue]] (SAR) and armed [[Airborne Use of Force]] missions. It is a variant of the French-built [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]].

==Development==
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 S-62|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.<ref name="globalsec">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/hh-65.htm HH-65A Dolphin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510110031/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/hh-65.htm |date=10 May 2007 }}, GlobalSecurity.org, accessed 1 October 2007</ref> 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|Airbus Helicopters]]) and assembled in [[Grand Prairie, Texas]]. [[Lycoming LTS101]]-750B-2 [[turboshaft]] engines were selected, while [[Rockwell Collins]] manufactured the HH-65's avionics in [[Cedar Rapids, Iowa]].<ref name="globalsec"/>

The HH-65 Dolphin is used for homeland security patrols, [[cargo]], [[war on drugs|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 {{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on}} hover, or automatically fly search patterns, an ability which allows the crew to engage in other tasks.

In order to comply with U.S. regulations relating to local content (based primarily on the value of individual components of the aircraft), engineering changes were required—notably, the SA365's original [[Turbomeca Arriel]] engines were replaced with the [[Honeywell LTS101|LTS101-750B-2]], which at the time were required to be American. Unfortunately, initial teething problems with this engine worsened as the HH-65's weight grew, resulting in several in-flight loss-of-power events. The USCG funded a program to improve engine reliability, but the resulting LTS101-850 failed to meet expectations.{{cn|date=May 2022}}

In 1994, the USCG therefore held a fast-track competition to select a new engine, and in March 2004 the Guard announced the selection of the [[Turbomeca]] [[Turbomeca Arriel|Arriel 2C2-CG]], already installed on the [[EC155]]. This upgrade began in 2004, and has resulted in a safer and more capable aircraft.{{cn|date=May 2022}} These modified HH-65As and HH-65Bs, which also gained new avionics and other enhancements, have been designated as HH-65Cs.

==Design==
[[File:HH-65C Cutter Dolphin (4).jpg|thumb|Fenestron on the HH-65C]]
[[File:HH-65C Cutter Dolphin (3).jpg|thumb|HH-65C radar]]

The HH-65A's minimum equipment requirements exceeded anything previously packaged into a helicopter weighing less than 10,000 pounds (4,535&nbsp;kg). Seventy-five percent of the HH-65's structure—including rotorhead, rotor blades and fuselage—consists of corrosion-resistant composite materials.

Also a unique feature of the Dolphin is its computerized flight management system, which integrates state-of-the-art communications and navigation equipment. This system provides automatic flight control. At the pilot's direction, the system will bring the aircraft to a stable hover {{convert|50|ft|m}} above a selected object. This is an important safety feature in darkness or inclement weather. Selected search patterns can be flown automatically, freeing the pilot and copilot to concentrate on sighting & searching the object.<ref name="globalsec"/>

A distinctive feature of the MH-65 is its [[fenestron]] ducted-fan anti-torque device. The fenestron consists of 11 blades spinning inside a circular housing at the base of the helicopter's tail fin.

Certified for single-pilot [[instrument flight rules]] (IFR) operation, the HH-65A was the first helicopter certified with a four-axis autopilot, allowing for hands-off hover over a pre-determined location.

==Operational history==
The Dolphin is primarily a Short Range Recovery (SRR) aircraft. There are now a total of 102 Dolphins in the United States Coast Guard Fleet. The fleet has home ports in 17 cities on the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] and [[Pacific Ocean]], [[Gulf of Mexico]], [[Hawaii]], and the [[Great Lakes]] region.<ref name="globalsec"/>

The Dolphin is usually deployed from shore but it can be deployed from medium and high endurance [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|Coast Guard Cutters]], as well as the [[USCG Polar Class Icebreaker|Polar Icebreakers]]. The Dolphin's main jobs are: search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties (including drug interdiction), polar ice breaking, marine environmental protection including pollution control, and military readiness.

When deployed from an icebreaker, the helicopter acts as the ship's eyes, searching out thinner and more navigable ice channels. They also have the job of airlifting supplies to villages isolated by winter, or transporting scientists to conduct remote research.<ref name="globalsec"/>

The MH-65 is also used to patrol the [[Air Defense Identification Zone (Washington DC)|Air Defense Identification Zone]] (ADIZ) around [[Washington, D.C.]], also known as the [[National Capital Region (United States)|National Capital Region]] (NCR). Seven new-build MH-65Cs were acquired for this mission.

=== Israeli Air Force service ===
In the early 1980s, the [[Israeli Navy]] sought to acquire a purpose-built maritime helicopter to bolster its over-the-horizon detection and targeting capabilities. Several helicopter types were evaluated, including the [[Westland Lynx]] and [[SH-60 Seahawk]]; in 1983, Israel announced the selection of the HH-65 Dolphin. Seeking a few examples to gain service experience and with limited funding, Israel acquired two used HH-65A developmental test aircraft from the USCG, the first HH-65A pre-production prototype (c/n 6002) and the third prototype (c/n 6005). These were delivered on 4 August 1985 and although owned by the navy, they were operated by the [[Israeli Air Force]].  Initially serving as the maritime flight of [[124 Squadron (Israel)|124 Squadron]] at [[Palmachim Airbase|Palmachim]], in June 1987 the IAF formed a dedicated maritime squadron, [[193 Squadron (Israel)|193 Squadron]], to which the two Dolphins were assigned. On 16 September 1996 one crashed in the Mediterranean, killing the three crew members on board. The remaining helicopter was retired a year later, replaced by the [[Eurocopter AS565 Panther]]. The Dolphins were operated by a crew consisting of an IAF Pilot, and IAF mechanic and an IN maritime support officer. First deployed in USCG colors, they were later given a blue and gray color scheme.<ref name=Israel>{{cite book|last=Norton|first=Bill|title=Air War on the Edge – A History of the Israel Air Force and its Aircraft since 1947|publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing|Midland Publishing]]|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q84hAQAAIAAJ|isbn=1-85780-088-5|location=Surrey, UK|pages=347–349|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117132513/https://books.google.com/books?id=q84hAQAAIAAJ|archive-date=17 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:HH-65C Dolphin.jpg|right|thumb|Members of [[Coast Guard Air Station Savannah|USCG Air Station Savannah]] use a USCG HH-65C demonstrating a helicopter rescue.]]

;HH-65A: Initial USCG version, powered by two {{convert|734|shp|abbr=on}} [[Honeywell LTS101|LTS101-750B-2]] turboshaft engines and with an {{convert|8900|lb|abbr=on}} MTOW.

;HH-65B: Avionics upgrade undertaken on a portion of the fleet. Retrofit included an [[night vision device|NVG]]-compatible integrated flight management avionics suite consisting of two GPS-embedded CDU-900G control display units and two MFD-255 multifunction flat panel displays. The HH-65B upgrade was undertaken at the Coast Guard's Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) in [[Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City|Elizabeth City]], NC, with the first aircraft rolling-off the post-depot maintenance (PDM) line in March 2001.

;HH-65C: HH-65A/B upgraded with new {{convert|934|shp|abbr=on}} [[Turbomeca Arriel|Arriel 2C2-CG]] engines that provide 40% more power and higher performance, plus an upgraded tail gearbox, long-nose avionics compartment, increased {{convert|9480|lb|abbr=on}} MTOW, expanded lateral flight envelope and Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI). First retrofit completed in October 2004.
[[File:USCG HH-65C.jpg|thumb|Landing gear down]]
;MH-65C: Initially intended only for use by the Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter (MCH), a further enhancement of the HH-65C within the USCG's [[Integrated Deepwater System Program|Deepwater]] effort, includes the installation of a 10-blade low-noise Fenestron, relocated avionics, and an [[Airborne Use of Force]] (AUF) package (in common with that of the modernized HH-60T) which provides the capability to fire warning and disabling shots from the air. The MH-65C is used in AUF missions, such as the [[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]] (HITRON) mission taken up by the MH-65C in early 2008. AUF aircraft are armed with the [[M82 Barrett rifle|Barrett M107CQ]] 12.7&nbsp;mm anti-materiel rifle and [[M240|M240G]] 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun.  The helicopter can also be used for counter terrorism.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron|url=https://www.uscg.mil/history/aviation/HITRON/USCG_HITRON_History_Neubecker.pdf|website=USCG.mil|publisher=USCG|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111110533/https://www.uscg.mil/history/aviation/HITRON/USCG_HITRON_History_Neubecker.pdf|archive-date=11 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

;MH-65D: MH-65C with an upgraded flight navigation system common to [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] helicopters.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080428152201/http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/mch/default.asp] USCG Acquisition Directorate: Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter</ref>  The first production MH-65D was completed on 20 January 2011 and is fitted with a Honeywell HG7502 radar altimeter, two Honeywell H-764G EGI's (embedded GPS/inertial navigation systems) and two control display units CDU-7000D from Rockwell Collins. 97 HH/MH-65Cs will be upgraded to MH-65D standard.<ref>Airforces Monthly, April 2011</ref>

;MH-65E: The MH-65E incorporates upgrades that will modernize the cockpit by installing digital "glass" cockpit instruments, known as the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) from [[Collins Aerospace]], similar to those installed in the Coast Guard's upgraded [[Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk|MH-60T Jayhawk Medium Range Recovery (MRR) helicopters]]. The Echo upgrade replaces the legacy analog automatic flight control with a digital system, and a digital weather radar system. The MH-65E model is expected to begin deliveries to the fleet in 2017.<ref>[http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Coast-Guard-Common_79534.html#.VBRnnPmF18E "Coast Guard Common"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913193632/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Coast-Guard-Common_79534.html#.VBRnnPmF18E |date=13 September 2014 }} ''Avionics Today''. Retrieved: 13 September 2014.</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:ChochitLeftSide.jpg|thumb|Israeli Air Force HH-65 operating with a [[Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boat]]]]
[[File:Two coast guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopters.jpg|thumb|HH-65C Dolphins of the [[United States Coast Guard]] ]]
;{{ISR}}:
* [[Israeli Air Force]]<ref name=Israel/>
** [[124 Squadron (Israel)]] – [[Palmachim Airbase]] (initial assignment)
** [[193 Squadron (Israel)]] – [[Ramat David Airbase]] or [[Palmachim Airbase]]
;{{USA}}:
* [[United States Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/CGAviationChronology.pdf |title= Significant Dates in Coast Guard Aviation |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121018023025/http://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/CGAviationChronology.pdf |archive-date= 18 October 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City|CGAS Atlantic City]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/d5/airstaAtlanticCity/missions.asp |title= AIR STATION ATLANTIC CITY |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 12 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517175820/http://www.uscg.mil/d5/airstaAtlanticCity/missions.asp |archive-date= 17 May 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Aviation Training Center|Coast Guard ATC]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/hq/atcmobil/Aveng/Aveng.asp|title= Coast Guard Aviation Training Center|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 12 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130225210547/http://www.uscg.mil/hq/atcmobil/Aveng/Aveng.asp|archive-date= 25 February 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point|CGAS Barbers Point]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d14/airstaBarbersPoint/|title= Air Station Barbers Point|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 12 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130325055719/http://www.uscg.mil/d14/airstaBarbersPoint/|archive-date= 25 March 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi|CGAS Corpus Christi]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/airsta_corpuschristi.asp|title= Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 5 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111229075825/http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/airsta_corpuschristi.asp|archive-date= 29 December 2011|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Detroit|CGAS Detroit]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d9/airstaDetroit/default.asp|title= Coast Guard Air Station Detroit|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 12 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130305104500/http://www.uscg.mil/d9/airstaDetroit/default.asp|archive-date= 5 March 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Houston|CGAS Houston]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/d8/airstahouston/ |title= Coast Guard Air Station Houston |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130507115324/http://www.uscg.mil/d8/airstahouston/ |archive-date= 7 May 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay|CGAS Humboldt Bay]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/d11/grphumboldtbay/command.asp |title= Group/Air Station Humboldt Bay |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130329231706/http://www.uscg.mil/d11/grphumboldtbay/command.asp |archive-date= 29 March 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak|CGAS Kodiak]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d17/airstakodiak/|title= Air Station Kodiak|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 5 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130227021741/http://www.uscg.mil/d17/airstakodiak/|archive-date= 27 February 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Miami|CGAS Miami]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/d7/airstaMiami/Eng/default.asp |title= Coast Guard Air Station Miami |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 12 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121019043559/http://www.uscg.mil/d7/airstaMiami/Eng/default.asp |archive-date= 19 October 2012 |url-status= live }}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station North Bend|CGAS North Bend]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d13/gruasnorthbend/|title= Air Station North Bend|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 5 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130227090316/http://www.uscg.mil/d13/gruasnorthbend/|archive-date= 27 February 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles|CGAS Port Angeles]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d13/sfoportangeles/UnitHistory/default.asp|title= History of the Coast Guard in Port Angeles|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 5 April 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120109015756/http://www.uscg.mil/d13/sfoportangeles/UnitHistory/default.asp|archive-date= 9 January 2012|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco|CGAS San Francisco]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uscg.mil/d11/airstaSanFrancisco/default.asp|title= CG Air Station San Francisco|publisher= uscg.mil|access-date= 12 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130530032045/http://www.uscg.mil/d11/airstaSanFrancisco/default.asp|archive-date= 30 May 2013|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[Coast Guard Air Station Savannah|CGAS Savannah]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/hunter.htm |title= Coast Guard Air Station Savannah |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130402230256/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/hunter.htm |archive-date= 2 April 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>
**[[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/HITRON/commandingofficer.asp |title= (HITRON) Jacksonville |publisher= uscg.mil |access-date= 5 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130228115255/http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/HITRON/commandingofficer.asp |archive-date= 28 February 2013 |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Specifications (MH-65C)==
[[File:Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin orthographical image.svg|420px|right]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=United States Coast Guard<ref>{{cite web |title= USCG Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter |url= http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/mch/features.asp |publisher= United States Coast Guard |access-date= 2009-09-18 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100110110430/http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/mch/features.asp |archive-date= 10 January 2010 |url-status= live }}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2 pilots and 2 crew
|length m=11.6
|height m=4
|empty weight kg=3,128
|max takeoff weight kg=4,300
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG]]
|eng1 type=turboshaft engines
|eng1 kw=636

|rot number=1<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia m=11.9
|rot area sqm=111.22<!-- helicopters -->
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=180
|cruise speed kts=130
|range km=658
|ceiling m=5,486

<!--
        Armament (AUF only)
-->
|guns=<br/>
* 1 x [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 mm]] [[M240 machine gun]]
* 1 x [[Barrett M107]] {{convert|0.50|in|mm|abbr=on|2}} caliber precision rifle
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related= 
* [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin]]
* [[Eurocopter AS565 Panther]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland AW109|Agusta MH-68 Stingray]]
* [[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant]]
* [[Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk]]
|see also=
*[[U.S. helicopter armament subsystems]]
*[[United States Army Aviation and Missile Command]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.coastguardchannel.com/24_7_vid/Features_HH65DepotMaintenance.php HH-65 Depot Maintenance page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304221721/http://www.coastguardchannel.com/24_7_vid/Features_HH65DepotMaintenance.php |date=4 March 2012 }} and [https://web.archive.org/web/20110708172606/http://www.coastguardchannel.com/24_7_vid/OnLocation_FlightTraining.php Flight Training page on CoastGuardchannel.com]
* [http://www.check-six.com/lib/Coast_Guard_Aviation_Casualties.htm Fatal Coast Guard crashes on check-six.com]

{{Eurocopter}}
{{USAF helicopters}}
{{Current US Coast Guard aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aérospatiale aircraft]]
[[Category:Airbus Helicopters aircraft]]
[[Category:Fantail helicopters]]
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:Search and rescue helicopters]]
[[Category:1980s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1980]]