Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin: A Comprehensive Guide

The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter that has been widely used for a variety of roles, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and offshore oil operations. First introduced in 1975, the Dauphin has a long and distinguished history, with over 1,000 units produced to date.

Design and Performance

The Dauphin is a relatively compact helicopter, with a length of just over 40 feet. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel engines, which provide a combined output of 1,600 horsepower.** The helicopter has a top speed of 155 mph and a range of 400 miles.

One of the Dauphin's most distinctive features is its Fenestron, a shrouded tail rotor that reduces noise and vibration. This feature makes the Dauphin ideal for use in urban areas or other noise-sensitive environments.

Role and Applications

The Dauphin is a highly versatile helicopter that can be used for a wide range of roles, including:

• Search and rescue: The Dauphin's large cabin and long range make it ideal for search and rescue operations. It is often used to rescue people from remote or inhospitable areas.
• Law enforcement: The Dauphin is also used by law enforcement agencies for a variety of purposes, including surveillance, patrol, and the transport of prisoners.
• Offshore oil operations: The Dauphin is a popular choice for offshore oil operations, where it is used to transport personnel and supplies to and from offshore platforms.

Safety Record

The Dauphin has a good safety record, with only a handful of fatal accidents in its history. However, one notable accident occurred in 2016, when a Dauphin helicopter crashed into the North Sea, killing all four people on board.

Variants

There are a number of different variants of the Dauphin, including:

• AS365 N3: The base model of the Dauphin, with a capacity of 14 passengers.
• AS365 N4: A stretched version of the Dauphin, with a capacity of 16 passengers.
• AS365 N5: A VIP transport variant of the Dauphin, with a luxurious interior and a capacity of 6 passengers.

Production and Pricing

The Dauphin is currently produced by Airbus Helicopters. The AS365 N3 has a base price of around $7 million.

Conclusion

The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is a versatile and reliable helicopter that has been used for a wide range of roles for over 40 years. It is a popular choice for search and rescue, law enforcement, and offshore oil operations.

Key Features of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin

• Twin-engine helicopter with a top speed of 155 mph
• Range of 400 miles
• Shrouded tail rotor (Fenestron) for reduced noise and vibration
• Versatile helicopter that can be used for a wide range of roles
• Good safety record

Variants of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin

Technical Specifications of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: In 2016, a Dauphin helicopter crashed into the North Sea, killing all four people on board. The accident was caused by a combination of factors, including pilot error and a mechanical failure.

Lesson learned: Even the most experienced pilots can make mistakes, and it is important to have a solid safety plan in place.

Story 2: In 2017, a Dauphin helicopter was used to rescue a group of hikers who were stranded in a remote mountain range. The helicopter was able to reach the hikers and evacuate them to safety.

Lesson learned: Helicopters can be a valuable tool for search and rescue operations, even in the most challenging environments.

Story 3: In 2018, a Dauphin helicopter was used to transport a group of oil workers to an offshore platform. The helicopter encountered strong winds and turbulence during the flight, but the pilot was able to land the helicopter safely on the platform.

Lesson learned: Helicopters are capable of operating in a wide range of conditions, but it is important for pilots to be aware of the risks and to take appropriate precautions.

Effective Strategies for Using the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin

• Use the helicopter for the right role. The Dauphin is a versatile helicopter, but it is important to use it for the role that it is best suited for. For example, the Dauphin is not ideal for long-range transport, but it is well-suited for search and rescue operations.
• Train your pilots properly. Pilots who are properly trained on the Dauphin will be able to operate the helicopter safely and efficiently. This training should include both classroom instruction and flight time.
• Have a solid safety plan in place. A solid safety plan will help to reduce the risk of accidents. This plan should include procedures for pre-flight inspections, in-flight emergencies, and post-flight maintenance.

Step-by-Step Approach to Using the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin

1. Plan your flight. This includes determining your destination, route, and fuel requirements.
2. Conduct a pre-flight inspection. This inspection should include checking the helicopter's systems, controls, and fuel levels.
3. Start the engines. Once the pre-flight inspection is complete, you can start the helicopter's engines.
4. Take off. Once the engines are running, you can take off the helicopter.
5. Fly the helicopter. Once you are airborne, you can fly the helicopter to your destination.
6. Land the helicopter. Once you reach your destination, you can land the helicopter.
7. Shut down the engines. Once the helicopter is landed, you can shut down the engines.

FAQs

Q: What is the range of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin?
A: The range of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is 400 miles.

Q: What is the maximum takeoff weight of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin?
A: The maximum takeoff weight of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is 10,500 pounds.

Q: What are some of the roles that the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin can be used for?
A: Some of the roles that the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin can be used for include search and rescue, law enforcement, and offshore oil operations.

Q: What is the safety record of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin?
A: The safety record of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is good, with only a handful of fatal accidents in its history.

Q: What is the base price of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin?
A: The base price of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is around $7 million.

Q: Who currently produces the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin?
A: The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin is currently produced by Airbus Helicopters.