![]() | Aerospatiale AS.366G / HH-65A "Dolphin" 1980 | ![]() |
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The SA.366G version was developed at the same time as the AS.365N. Designed in response to an order from the US Coast Guard, it differed primarily in using American Avco Lycoming LTS-101 engines. For the search and rescue missions for which it is intended, the aircraft has sophisticated avionics equipment by Collins. It has two sliding doors, a rescue hoist and can take three stretchers and four assistants. G.Apostolo "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters", 1984 - Israel purchased two HH-65s, and in trials operated them from the navy's fleet of fast patrol craft. - Two HH-65s are used by the US Navy test centre at Patuxent River, Maryland. - Flotation bags allow waterborne ditchings in bad weather - up to sea state five. - The Dolphin was criticised for lacking power in hot and high conditions, but a re-engining programme was cancelled. - The crew can be supplemented by a rescue diver for special missions. - Dolphins were purchased to replace the elderly Sikorsky HH-52.
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