Overview
The Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin entered service in the late 1970s as a twin-engine utility helicopter. Designed for offshore, search and rescue, and transport missions, it introduced aerodynamic refinements and a distinctive Fenestron tail rotor. The aircraft remains widely operated.
Live Fleet Activity (AS65)
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Specifications
- Engine
- 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshafts
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 2 × 838 shp · 625 kW
- Avionics
- Collins Pro-Line Avionics
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 12
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 6 ft 6 in · 1.98 m
- Cabin height
- 4 ft 7 in · 1.40 m
- Cabin length
- 7 ft 7 in · 2.30 m
- Exterior length
- 45 ft 1 in · 13.73 m
- Tail height
- 13 ft 4 in · 4.06 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 6 ft 8 in · 2.03 m
- Wing span
- 39 ft 2 in · 11.94 m
- Baggage volume
- 39 ft³ · 1.1 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 9,500 lb · 4,300 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 5,050 lb · 2,300 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 310 gal · 1,200 L · 900 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 175 kt · 201 mph · 324 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 447 nm · 510 mi · 830 km
- Fuel burn
- 1.49 nm/gal · 0.73 km/L
- Ceiling
- 20,000 ft · 6,100 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,759 ft/min · 9 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
Live fleet activity details
Operational Context
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin — twin-engine utility helicopter
The AS365 first flew in 1975 and entered service in 1978. It featured improved performance compared with earlier Dauphin variants. The compact fuselage and retractable landing gear enhanced cruise efficiency.
Two turboshaft engines producing approximately 850 shaft horsepower each power the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 150 knots (278 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg).
The Dauphin has served in civil, military, and maritime roles worldwide. Its adaptability and speed have supported decades of operation. Updated versions remain in service today.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.
- https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/EASA-OEB-Final-Report-Eurocopter_AS365_EC_155%20B--B1-02-08022012.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_AS365_Dauphin
- https://www.paramountbusinessjets.com/aircraft/eurocopter-as-365-n3-dauphin.html
- http://www.rotorleasing.com/Specifications/AS365.html