Basic Information

Name

AS 365N3+ French Medium Utility Helicopter

Designation

AS365 N3+

Alternate Designation

AS365 N3+

Equipment Type

Utility Helicopter

Manufacturer

Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters

Date of Introduction

2009

Description

As a member of Airbus’ renowned Dauphin family, the medium twin-engine AS365 N3+ version is suited for a full range of missions and is known worldwide for its sleek fuselage and powerful performance. The AS365 N3+ is fitted with Airbus’ unique 4-axis autopilot, which eases crew workload and helps simplify the most demanding search and rescue (SAR) missions and a class 1 rescue hoist. Able to fly at very high speeds with stability in hover, large power reserves, and excellent one-engine inoperative (OEI) performance, the AS365 N3+ is a safe aircraft for performing SAR work in poor weather conditions.

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Crew 2

Engine Turboshaft (961 hp)

Cruise Speed 269.0 km/h

Rotor Diameter 11.94 m

Variants

SA 365 C A twin-engined version of the Dauphin, designated as the Dauphin 2, was announced in early 1973. The first prototype's first flight took place on 24 January 1975; production model deliveries began in December 1978. In comparison with the earlier model, the SA 365 C featured twin 470 kW (630 shp) Arriel 1 turboshafts in a new engine fairing, a Starflex main rotor hub and a higher maximum take-off weight (3,400 kg (7,496 lb) or 7,495 lb). Its Fenestron anti-torque device featured 13 metal blades. Production of both the SA 360 and SA 365 C ceased in 1981, by which time approximately 40 SA 360s and 50 SA 365 C/C1s had been built; both were replaced by the SA 365 N.

SA 365 C1 Variant powered by Arriel 1A1 certified in March 1979.

SA 365 C2 Variant powered by Arriel 1A2 certified in February 1980.

SA 365 C3 Variant powered by Arriel 1C certified in January 1982.

SA 365 N A much improved version of the SA 365 C Dauphin 2, the first prototype flying on 31 March 1979. This version introduced the uprated 492 kW (660 shp) Arriel 1C turboshafts, a retractable tricycle undercarriage, enlarged tail surfaces, and revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowlings. The aircraft's initial M.T.O.W. of 3,850 kg (8,490 lb) was later raised to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Deliveries of the production model began in 1982.

SA 365 N1 Incorporating many of the improvements developed for the SA 366 G1 (HH-65 Dolphin), this version introduced upgraded 526 kW (705 shp) Arriel 1C1 turboshafts, an improved 11-blade Fenestron with wider-chord blades (which reduced the AS365 N1's noise signature), movable undercarriage doors replaced by simplified fairings and a higher gross weight of 4,100 kg (9,000 lb).

AS 365 N2 This version – designated AS365 N2 from the outset – introduced the upgraded 549 kW (737 shp) Arriel 1C2 turboshafts, an uprated gearbox, increased maximum take-off weight of 4,250 kg (9,370 lb), redesigned cabin doors and revised interior, enlarged tail fin with all composite Fenestron. Deliveries of this version started in 1990. Licensed versions were assembled in China as the Z-9, Z-19 and AVIC AC312.

AS365 N3 The high-performance AS365 N3 was developed for operations in 'hot and high' climates, and introduced 635 kW (851 shp) Arriel 2C turboshafts equipped with a single channel DECU (Digital Engine Control Unit) with manual reversion, mated to an uprated main transmission for better single engine performance. The AS365 N3 also features a redesigned ten blade composite Fenestron anti-torque device with asymmetric blade distribution, offering a further reduction in noise signature. The AS365 N3's gross weight is 4,300 kg (9,500 lb). Production deliveries began in December 1998.

AS365 N3+ This version was presented at the 2009 Paris Air Show and differs mainly in new avionics including 4-axis auto-pilot This version is currently still in production.

AS365 N4 Produced as the EC155.

AS365 X Better known as the DGV 200 or Dauphin Grand Vitesse (High Speed Dauphin), the AS365 X was developed from the X-380 DTP (Developpement Technique Probatoire or Probatory Technical Development) testbed, first flown on 20 March 1989. The aircraft was first flown in the AS365 X configuration two years later in March 1991, and featured a smaller Fenestron, a new main rotor with five high-inertia blades with swept tips, a composite rotor hub/mast and 624 kW (837 shp) Turbomeca Arriel IX turboshafts. On 19 November 1991, this aircraft set a Class E1e (3,000 to 4,500 kg) speed record of 201 knots (372 km/h; 231 mph) over a 3 km (1.9 mi) triangular course.

EC155 B/B1 This version was originally to follow the N3 as the AS365 N4, and was announced at the 1997 Paris Airshow before being redesignated as the EC155 B. As with the N3 version, it has two Arriel 2C/2C2 turboshafts equipped with FADEC as well as a five blade Spheriflex main rotor (derived from the AS365 X DGV). It also features a 30% larger main cabin (achieved with bulged doors and cabin plugs). The first flight of the first prototype took place on 17 June 1997 and this version is currently in production (as the EC155 B1).

SA 366 G1 Dauphin The SA 366 G1 Dauphin version was selected by the US Coast Guard (USCG) in 1979 as its new air-sea rescue helicopter and given the designation HH-65A Dolphin. In total 99 helicopters, optimized for the USCG's short-range recovery (SRR) search and rescue role, were initially acquired, with additional aircraft later procured.

SA 365 N Dauphin A much improved version of the SA 365 C Dauphin 2, the first prototype flying on 31 March 1979. This version introduced the upgraded 492 kW (660 shp) Arriel 1C turbo-shafts, a retractable tricycle undercarriage, enlarged tail surfaces, and revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowlings. The aircraft's initial M.T.O.W. of 3,850 kg (8,490 lb) was later raised to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Deliveries of the production model began in 1982.

SA 365 F Dauphin The SA 365 F is a variant of the SA 365 N for the French Navy. It has been used since 1991 for general duties and for backup purposes aboard an aircraft carrier. A helicopter with rescue divers is always in the air during flight operations to be able to assist the pilot in case of an accident. First experiments were successfully carried out in 1990 on board the Clemenceau. The variant 365F is used since 1999 with Flottille 35F called AS365F Dauphin Pedro.

AS365 N3 Dauphin The high-performance AS365 N3 was developed for operations in 'hot and high' climates, and introduced 635 kW (851 shp) Arriel 2C turbo-shafts equipped with a single channel DECU (Digital Engine Control Unit) with manual reversion, mated to an upgraded main transmission for better single engine performance. The AS365 N3 also features a redesigned ten blade composite Fenestron anti-torque device with asymmetric blade distribution, offering a further reduction in noise signature. The AS365 N3's gross weight is 4,300 kg (9,500 lb). Production deliveries began in December 1998.

AS365 N3+ This version was presented by Eurocopter at the 2009 Paris Air Show and differs mainly in new avionics including 4-axis auto-pilot

System

Alternative Designation AS365 N3+

Type Medium Utility Helicopter

Manufacturer Aérospatiale Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters

Mission The AS365 N3+ is fitted with Airbus’ unique 4-axis autopilot, which eases crew workload and helps simplify the most demanding search and rescue (SAR) missions and a class 1 rescue hoist. Able to fly at very high speeds with stability in hover, large power reserves and excellent one engine inoperative (OEI) performance, the AS365 N3+ is a safe aircraft for performing SAR work in poor weather conditions.

Crew 2 (pilot, co-pilot)

Passenger Capacity 12

Blades, Main Rotor 4 ea

Blades, Tail Rotor INA

Number of Engines 2 ea

Number of Hard Points INA

Emergency Medical Services Capability The AS365 N3+ is well suited for transferring patients between hospitals and quickly accessing accident sites – a must for emergency medical service missions. The 4-axis autopilot is easy to use, allowing crew members to focus on the mission priority: patients. Able to fly at very high speeds and boasting a large power reserve and excellent one engine inoperative (OEI) performance, the AS365 N3+ is a safe aircraft to fly over urban areas. Low vibration levels provide a comfortable working environment for medical attendants and a smooth ride for patients. The spacious cabin easily accommodates medical equipment and can be reconfigured within minutes to include a second stretcher. Wide lateral access to the cabin expedites the loading and unloading of patients.

Oil and Gas Capability Oil and gas transport service providers appreciate the designed-in availability of the AS365 N3+, along with its low maintenance requirements and corrosion-proof glass and carbon fibre main rotor blades. In addition, the AS365 N3+ uses the H225’s digital 4-axis autopilot and other necessary equipment for safely performing offshore missions, such as the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), external life rafts, automatic deployable emergency locator transmitter (ADELT), and a moving map linked to GPS, among others. The AS365 N3+’s floatation equipment and life rafts are certified for Sea State 6 conditions.

Law Enforcement Capability The AS365 N3+’s exceptional speed and endurance are valuable advantages in law enforcement operations including patrol, airborne surveillance and pursuits. Two Safran Arriel 2C engines provide higher reliability and safety margins than any other aircraft in this category. The helicopter’s compact size / small footprint and exceptional manoeuvrability allow police forces to operate in the most confined areas. Low vibration levels, thanks to the digital 4-axis autopilot and Fenestron tail rotor, are suitable for a range of missions and ensure passenger and pilot comfort on long patrols. The simple design of the AS365 N3+ reduces the need for maintenance which, in turn, reduces operating costs and enhances availability.

Note The AS365 N3+ is fitted with Airbus’ unique 4-axis autopilot, which eases crew workload and helps simplify the most demanding search and rescue (SAR) missions and a class 1 rescue hoist.

Dimensions

Length, Rotors Turning 13.74 m

Fuselage Length 12.11 m

Rotor Diameter 11.94 m

Disc Area 112 sq m

Height 3.50 m

Empty Weight 2,249 kg

Sling Load Weight 1,600 kg

Maximum Takeoff Weight 4,300 kg

Maximum External Load Weight 1,600 kg

Automotive

Engine Name 2 x Turbomeca Arriel 2C engines with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.

Engine Type Turboshaft

Engine Power 961 shp (717 kW)

Internal Fuel Capacity 1,135 liters

Cruise Speed 269 kph

Economical Speed 259 kph

Ceiling 6,000 m

Climb Rate 400 m/min

Maximum Range with Auxiliary Tanks 923 km

Main Gun System

Note 20-mm or 7.62-mm General-Purpose Machine Guns.

Missile Weapon Systems

Missile System #1

Name AS15TT Anti-Ship Missile

Type Anti-Ship Missile

Length 2.30 m

Diameter 190 mm

Wingspan 0.56 m

Warhead 30 kg derived from OP3C APHE

Fuze impact

Weight 98 kg

Maximum Range 15 km

Maximum Speed 1,007 kph

Guidance System SACLOS by Thomson-CSF Agrion 15 chin-mounted I/J-band radar

Basic Load INA

Anti-Tank Guided Missile System

Name HOT

Type Air-to-Ground Anti-Tank Missile

Length 1.27 m

Diameter, Launcher 175 mm

Diameter, Missile 136 mm

Launcher Weight 23.5 kg

Launcher and Missile Weight 32.0 kg

Warhead Weight 5.0 kg

Warhead Octol hollow-charge high-explosive anti-tank or multi-purpose penetration of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA). Penetrates up to 47 in (1,200 mm) of armor.

Engine 1 x two-stage solid-propellant rocket; Bugeat booster with a burn of 0.9 sec; Epictete sustainer, 53 lb (24 kg) static thrust with a burn of 17.4 sec

Maximum Speed Mach 0.74

Maximum Range 4,000 m

Minimum Range 400 m

Flight Time to 2,000 m 9 sec

Flight Time to 3,000 m 13 sec

Flight Time to 4,000 m 17 sec

Guidance System SACLOS wire-guided

Tracking System optical or IR tracking of target; IR tracking of missile.

Basic Load INA

Fire Control and Avionics

Fire Control Radar INA

Navigation Radar INA

Four-Axis Autopilot Yes

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Yes

Digital Moving Map Yes

Communication Package The helicopter is also equipped with a digital audio communication system; Proline Radio 21 suite or Gramin GNS430W radio suite; and the CMA9000 flight-management system with GPS, direction-finder and SAR modes.

Protection

Add on Armor INA

Stealth Properties None

Heat Signature Reduction No

NBC Protection INA

EW Counter Measures/CCM INA

Counter Measures (Chaff/Flares) Yes