The MH 65 Dolhin
The US Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin is a versatile, twin-engine, short-range recovery (SRR) helicopter that has been a vital asset to the Coast Guard since its introduction in 1984.
Derived from the Eurocopter SA366 G1 Dauphin, the Dolphin was chosen to replace the aging Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard, becoming the primary platform for search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security missions.
Designed to operate from both shore bases and Coast Guard cutters, the MH-65 normally carries a crew of four — pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic, and rescue swimmer — enabling rapid and flexible response to various maritime emergencies.
Its distinctive Fenestron ducted tail rotor makes it easily identifiable, offering enhanced safety and reduced noise compared to traditional tail rotors.
With a cruise speed of about 148 knots and a range of up to 350 nautical miles, the MH-65 can operate effectively well offshore for search and rescue or interdiction missions.
It is certified for all-weather and nighttime operations excluding icing conditions. Notably, the helicopter's computerized flight management system allows hands-off flight in hovering or search patterns, improving pilot workload and mission effectiveness, especially under adverse conditions.
A major upgrade to the MH-65 fleet began in the early 2000s to address initial engine reliability problems and to improve performance.
The original Lycoming LTS101-750B-2 engines were replaced with more powerful and reliable twin Turbomeca Arriel 2C/2C2 engines, delivering about 853 shp each.
This upgrade significantly enhanced power output, safety, and fuel efficiency, extending the helicopter’s operational viability into the 21st century.
Further modernization efforts introduced the MH-65E "Echo" variant, which includes a glass cockpit with touchscreen multifunction displays, enhanced navigation, digital weather radar, and advanced avionics under the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS).
These improvements not only extend the MH-65's service life into the 2030s but also enhance situational awareness and mission flexibility, as demonstrated in recent operations such as Hurricane Ian search and rescue missions.
The MH-65 is equipped to carry armaments such as a 7.62 mm machine gun, a 7.62 mm rifle, and a .50-caliber precision weapon designed to disable engines of non-compliant vessels, supporting Coast Guard interdiction and law enforcement operations, particularly in drug
interdiction and migrant interdiction missions.
Beyond search and rescue, the MH-65 Dolphins assist in ice-breaking patrols, environmental protection missions, and national defense readiness.
They often serve aboard medium and high endurance Coast Guard cutters, extending the reach and persistence of Coast Guard operations at sea.
In polar regions, they provide critical transportation and reconnaissance to support scientific research and isolated communities.
The MH-65 fleet comprises over 100 aircraft distributed across multiple Coast Guard bases on the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes.
The helicopters also support the national capital region's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), patrolling for homeland security missions.
Maintaining the MH-65 remains a priority for the Coast Guard, with ongoing sustainment programs supported by Airbus Helicopters to ensure reliability and capability well into the future.
Despite being a legacy platform, the MH-65 Dolphin continues to embody the Coast Guard’s motto Semper Paratus — Always Ready — responding swiftly to maritime emergencies with proven agility and advanced technology.
In summary, the MH-65 Dolphin is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard’s aerial fleet, combining advanced avionics, powerful twin engines, and versatile operational roles.
Its evolution over nearly four decades reflects a commitment to mission effectiveness, safety, and technological innovation in support of US maritime security and search and rescue.
Nautical Mile Magazine
