Data Quality84%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
Aérospatiale H-65 Dolphin
Category
Prime contractor
Production
1985–
Quantity
102
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · COLD WAR
20
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
90
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1980
- Service Entry Year1985
- Crew2
- Passengers4
- Primary RoleSearch and rescue, medical evacuation, homeland security patrols, drug interdiction, ice breaking, pollution control, military readiness, airborne use of force
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant7MOD.7
- Engine TypeTurbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG
- Number of Engines2
- Engine Power (each)695 kW
- Rotor ConfigurationSingle main rotor with Fenestron tail rotor
- Main Rotor Diameter11.93 m
- Main Rotor Blades4
- Anti-Torque TypeFenestron
▣Performance8MOD.8
- Top Speed333.331 km/h
- Cruise Speed240.739 km/h
- Service Ceiling5,486 m
- Hover Ceiling (IGE)2,895 m
- Hover Ceiling (OGE)2,377 m
- Range658 km
- Rate of Climb8.9 m/s
- Endurance180
◇Dimensions & Weights6MOD.6
- Fuselage Length11.6 m
- Height4 m
- Rotor Disc Area111.7
- Empty Weight3,128 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight4,300 kg
- Cabin Volume5.5
◆Armament & Mission8MOD.8
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload1,000 kg
- GunM107CQ 12.7 mm anti-materiel rifle, M240G 7.62 mm machine gun
- Anti-Tank MissilesNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesNo
- Rocket PodsNo
- Sling Load Capacity1,000 kg
- Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics7MOD.7
⬢Survivability6MOD.6
▲Production2MOD.2
- Total Built102
- Variants5
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1979
- Operational StatusIn service with USCG and Israeli Air Force; undergoing replacement by Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk/Seahawk
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1979Sale: United States (99 units)
- 1983Sale: Israel (2 units)
- 1985Production started
41
years in service
102
units produced
2
countries operating
04 / Operators
Operator Countries2country
Aérospatiale H-65 DolphinSALES2records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 |  Israel | 2 | — | — |
| 1979 |  United States | 99 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS RANKING Utility / Transport Helicopters · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
59UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS20COLD WAR · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS39PERFORMANCE/PRICE · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theUtility / Transport Helicopterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE6terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
Seats designed to absorb crash forces, reducing injury to occupants.
Combined forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and electro-optical (EO) sensor turret for target acquisition and tracking, typically mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles.
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit featuring electronic instrument displays, typically LCD or CRT screens, replacing traditional analog gauges.
A mechanical device used to lift personnel or cargo via a cable, typically mounted on helicopters for rescue or recovery operations.
A radar system used to detect and track precipitation, storm intensity, and wind patterns to assist in flight operations and mission planning.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources