MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Rescue Helicopter
The MH-65E is a light twin sized to operate from cutter flight decks and confined coastal sites. Its shrouded tail rotor, glass cockpit, and coupled hover modes make it the workhorse for inshore rescue, harbor security, and rapid-response recovery where a medium helicopter cannot land.
Key Features
- Fenestron shrouded tail rotor for deck safety
- Fully digital glass cockpit with coupled hover
- Night-vision compatible lighting
- Rapid rescue hoist cycle times
Mission Use Cases
- Inshore and harbor search and rescue
- Cutter-based deployment
- Port and waterway security
- Medical transfer from small vessels
Product Overview
The MH-65E is a light twin sized to operate from cutter flight decks and confined coastal sites. Its shrouded tail rotor, glass cockpit, and coupled hover modes make it the workhorse for inshore rescue, harbor security, and rapid-response recovery where a medium helicopter cannot land.
Search & Rescue Platform Comparison
Planning figures across the combat rescue, maritime rescue, and HEMS rotary-wing platforms plus the fixed-wing rescue extender in the catalog.
| Specification | HH-60W Combat rescue | MH-60T Medium range | MH-65E Short range | AW139 SAR Medium twin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role & Crew | ||||
| Primary role | Combat search and rescue | Maritime medium-range recovery | Short-range / shipboard rescue | Civil and coast-guard SAR |
| Typical crew | 2 pilots + 2 special mission aviators | 2 pilots + flight mechanic + swimmer | 2 pilots + flight mechanic + swimmer | 2 pilots + 2 rescue crew |
| Survivor capacity | ≈ 6–10 recovered | 6 litters / 12 seated | Up to 3 litters | Up to 4 litters |
| Performance | ||||
| Powerplant | 2 × T700-GE-701D | 2 × T700-GE-401C | 2 × Arriel 2C2-CG | 2 × PT6C-67C |
| Max gross weight | ≈ 23,500 lb | 21,884 lb | 9,480 lb | 15,432 lb |
| Cruise speed | ≈ 150 kt | ≈ 140 kt | ≈ 130 kt | ≈ 150 kt |
| Range | ≈ 195 nm radius (unrefueled) | ≈ 700 nm | ≈ 400 nm | ≈ 573 nm with aux fuel |
| Rescue Equipment | ||||
| Rescue hoist | 600 lb / 250 ft | 600 lb / 200 ft | 600 lb / 150 ft | Dual 600 lb available |
| Search sensors | Weather radar + EO/IR | Surface-search radar + EO/IR + DF | EO/IR + searchlight + DF | Search radar + EO/IR |
| Coupled hover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (4-axis) |
| Aerial refueling | Probe fitted | No | No | No |
| Employment | ||||
| Contested airspace | Armored, defensive suite | Permissive | Permissive | Permissive |
| Shipboard capable | Limited | Cutter capable | Cutter deck with haul-down | Yes with kit |
| Best fit | Military personnel recovery | Offshore national SAR | Inshore and harbor rescue | Multi-role civil SAR fleets |
Figures are drawn from publicly released manufacturer and service data and are provided for comparison and planning reference only, not for mission or flight planning.
Product Line & Options
MH-65E Dolphin with configurable mission and support options.
- Cutter haul-down and securing kit
- Airborne use-of-force fit
- Emergency flotation system
- Maintenance and spares package
Product Specs
Pricing & Quotation
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