Eurocopter AS-365N Dauphin 2 & EC-155

The (originally Aerospatiale) AS-365N Dauphin 2 is one of Eurocopter's most successful designs and has found widespread use in corporate, police, media, EMS and search and rescue roles worldwide. The AS-365N is a much improved development of the original SA-365C Dauphin 2 (described under Aerospatiale). Until January 1990 the AS-365 models were designated SA-365, and in 1992 Aerospatiale's helicopter division was incorporated into Eurocopter. The AS-356N introduced more powerful Arriel 1C turboshafts, enlarged tail surfaces, revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowling, and retractable tricycle undercarriage. The AS-365N first flew on March 31 1979. Deliveries began in early 1982. The US Coast Guard took delivery of 99 HH-65A Dolphins (SA-366G-1). These aircraft are powered by Textron (Avco) Lycoming LTS-101s and are optimised for the USCG's search and rescue role. Deliveries of the improved AS-365N-2 commenced in 1990. It features upgraded Arriel 1C2 engines, improved gearbox, increased max takeoff weight, redesigned cabin doors, revised interior and optional EFIS instrumentation. The AS-365N-3 is a hot and high development with FADEC equipped Arriel 2Cs. Deliveries began in December 1998. The improved EC-155 (initially AS-365N-4) development was announced at the 1997 Paris Airshow. It features twin Arriel 2Cs equipped with FADEC, a five blade Spheriflex main rotor and a 40% larger main cabin, achieved with bulged doors. First flight was on June 17 1997, with French and German certification awarded in December 1998. Military AS-365Ns have been offered as AS-565 Panthers. Utility versions are the AS-565UA/UB, attack versions are the AS-565AA/AB, while the AS-565MA/MB are equipped for naval search and rescue, and the AS-565SA/SB for ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) duties.

The backbone of this section is from the The International Directory of Civil Aircraft by Gerard Frawley and used with permission. To get your own copy of the book click here.