Everything about The Eurocopter Dauphin totally explained
The
Eurocopter Dauphin (
Dolphin) is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter manufactured by
Eurocopter (originally by
Aérospatiale).
Design and development
Developed from the single-engined
Aérospatiale Dauphin variant, the Dauphin is one of Eurocopter's most successful designs and is widely used as a corporate transport, police, news media, emergency medical services and search & rescue helicopter. One of the distinctive features of the Dauphin is its
fenestron tail rotor.
The military version of the Dauphin is the
Eurocopter Panther. The Dauphin is also used by the
United States Coast Guard under the designation
HH-65 Dolphin.
The Dauphin is also manufactured in
China under licence as the
Z-9 by the
Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, and subsequently developed as the armed versions WZ-9 and WZ-9A-100.
More than 650 AS 365/366/565 versions have been produced or ordered, with the 500th Dauphin (counting all models) having been delivered in 1991. More than 20 EC 155s have been ordered.
Variants
Regarding the naming of the different variants, it should be noted that, until January 1990, the AS 365 models were designated as SA 365.
Civil Variants
SA 365C » This twin-engined version of the Dauphin, designated as the Dauphin 2, was announced in early 1973. The first flight of the first prototype took place on 24 January 1975, with production model deliveries starting in December 1978. In comparison with the earlier model, the SA 365 C features twin Arriel turboshafts with a new engine fairing, a Starflex main rotor hub and a higher maximum takeoff weight. Production of both the SA 360 and SA 365 C ceased in 1981, by which time approximately 40 SA 360s and 50 SA 365 Cs had been built. Both types were replaced by the SA 365 N (later updated to the AS 365 N1, with an uprated powerplant and composite fenestron).
AS 365N » This is a much improved version of the SA 365C Dauphin 2, the first prototype flying on 31 March 1979. This version introduced the more powerful Arriel 1C turboshafts, enlarged tail surfaces, revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowling as well as a retractable tricycle undercarriage. Deliveries of the production model began in 1982.
AS 365N1/N2 » This version introduced the upgraded Arriel 1C2 turboshafts, an improved gearbox, increased maximum take-off weight, redesigned cabin doors and a revised interior, Tail fin enlarged and new Fenestrom design of less blades with wider cord to reduce aircraft noise signature fitted, rear wheel moving undercarridge doors removed and replaced by simpler fairings. Deliveries of this version started in 1990. Licensed versions, called the Z-9 and Z-9A, were assembled in China.
AS 365N3 » This version was developed for so-called "hot and high" circumstances and has Arriel 2C turboshafts equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Also uprated main transmission for better MTOW and better single engine performance capabilities. Production deliveries began in December 1998 and this version is currently still in production.
AS 365N4 » Produced as the EC 155.
EC 155B1
» This version was originally to follow the N3 as the AS 365 N4, and was announced at the 1997 Paris Airshow before being redesignated as the EC 155 B. As with the N3 version, it has twin Arriel 2Cs turboshafts equipped with FADEC as well as a five blade Spheriflex main rotor (Using the rotorhead from the Dauphin Grand Vittesse A.K.A The High Speed Dauphin), It also had a 40% larger main cabin (achieved with bulged doors and cabin plugs). The first flight of the first prototype took place on 17 June 1997 and this version is currently in production.
HH-65A Dolphin
» The SA 366G1 Dauphin version was selected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the early 1980s as its new air-sea rescue helicopter and given the designation HH-65A Dolphin. In total 99 helicopters, optimised for the USCG's search and rescue role tasks, were acquired.
Military versions
For a more detailed discussion of the military versions of the Dauphin, see: Eurocopter Panther.
AS 365F » Naval version.
;AS 365F1 » Naval version.
AS 365K » Military version of the twin engine AS.365N2.
;AS 365M » Military version of the twin engine AS.365N2.
Military AS 365Ns are designated as AS 565 Panthers and are available in the following versions:
AS 565UA/UB » Utility versions.
;AS 565AA/AB » Attack versions.
AS 565MA/MB » Naval search & rescue versions.
;AS 565SA/SB » ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) versions.
Operators
Military Operators
