The French Roots of a U.S Military Icon: The MH-65 Dolphin

Fun fact, one of the most recognizable helicopters in the U.S. military….. Is actually French.

The Birth of the MH-65 “Dolphin”

First entering service in 1985, the MH-65 “Dolphin” is a dedicated short-range recovery (SRR) air-sea rescue helicopter, used primarily by the United States Coast Guard. The primary role of the Dolphin is Search and Rescue missions, and it can be credited for saving thousands of lives over the past 37 years it has been in service.

From Eurocopter to American Coastlines

Despite being built in the U.S. in Grand Prairie, Texas, the Dolphin was designed initially by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) and is based off the AS365 Dauphin. Selected to replace the older Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard, the Dolphin has also been used for security patrols, cargo transport, drug interdiction, ice breaking, military readiness, and pollution control.

~NC