b'Search and Rescue(SAR) mission The Coast Guard primary search and rescue helicopter, the Eurocopter MH-65D Dolphin. The MH-65D is the US Coast Guards short-range utility helicopter. It is best known for its role as a search and rescueThe US Coast Guard plans to convert all 98 examples aircraft, but also is used for law enforcement and homelandof MH-65 in its fleet to the E configuration by fiscal year security missions. The H-65 Dolphin has been in the Coast2024. At the same time that upgrades are being done, the Guards inventory since 1984 and e xpected to remain inUS Coast Guard is putting the MH-65 through a Service Life service through 2027. Extension programme, which is intended to increase the The service has been gradually upgrading its fleet ofservice life of the helicopter by 10,000 flight hours, to a MH-65s since 2007, when helicopter turboshaftstotal of 30,000 flight hours. Service life extension were replaced with the Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG,work includes replacing five major structure com-increasing power by 40%. Later, the helicoptersponents: the nine-degree frame, canopy, center were upgraded with 7.62mm machine gunsconsole floor assembly, floorboards and side and the ability to land aboard US Coast Guardpanels, says the service.Cutters. The E configuration changes are theThe US Coast Guard plans to continue flying last phase of the services upgrade plan. Thethe MH-65 until between 2035 and 2039, at US Coast Guards MH-65D Dolphin helicopterwhich time it would begin replacing theupgrade programme began full-rate production onhelicopter. The service may opt to buy a variant November 2019. of the US Armys Future Attack Reconnaissance The US Coast Guard plans to convert 22 examples ofAircraft, which is scheduled for introduction intothe Eurocopter MH-65D per year into the E configuration. service in 2028.The E configuration upgrades to the twin-enginedMH-65D Dolphin FAST FACTS:helicopter are focused on the aircrafts avionics, including Manufacturer: Eurocopterimprovements to its automatic flight control system and a Engines: Two 853 shp Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshaftnew digital flight deck with a Common Avionics Architecture Length: 44 feet, 5 inchesSystem. That common avionics architecture is shared with Height: 13 feet, 5 inchesthe US Coast Guards Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk medi-Rotor Diameter: 39 feet, 2 inchesum-range helicopter, as well as the other H-60 variants in Maximum Speed: 200 MPHthe Department of Defenses inventory, such as the UH-60 Ceiling: 10,000 feetBlack Hawk. The helicopter will also receive an improved Range: 290 Nautical Milesdigital weather and surface search radar as part of the Gross Weight: 9,480 poundsupgrades, says the service.Crew: Four: 2 pilots, 1 flight mechanic, 1 rescue swimmerThank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magizine 21'