US Coast Guard Helicopter (MH-65 Dolphin) Departing from Palo Alto Airport (PAO) 20230924

Описание: A US Coast Guard Helicopter MH-65 Dolphin (Tail Number: 6550) received a call during Palo Alto Airport Day Event around 1015L on Sep 24, 2023. Recording its departure from Palo Alto Airport (KPAO).

Helicopter Specifics: Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin (Aerospatiale HH-65 Dolphin)
Tail Number: 6550
Registered: US Coast Guard (USCG)
Base: Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) San Francisco, California
Call sign: C6550

More on: USCG HH-65 Dolphin

The H-65 helicopter — the Coast Guard’s most ubiquitous aircraft — is certified for operation in all-weather and night-time operations, with the exception of icing conditions. There are 100 H-65s in the inventory. The H-65 is the primary Coast Guard aircraft used aboard certified cutters during deployments. FLIR, a heads-up display (HUD) and other avionics upgrades are being installed aboard the H-65 as part of the ongoing conversion-sustainment initiative to sustain the airframe for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the re-designation of Airborne Use of Force (AUF) MH-65Cs reflects the installation of armament and a significantly upgraded communications package. Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville was the first operational Coast Guard unit to employ the MH-65C and has a total of 10 aircraft assigned to replace the MH-68A Stingray aircraft. The current transition to the MH-65D is designed to address obsolete component issues and is slated to be complete by summer of 2015. In FY17 the Coast Guard will introduce the MH-65E to the fleet. Currently under development, the MH-65E will feature an all-glass cockpit with advanced navigation capabilities to meet emerging FAA requirements.

Specifications (MH-65C)

General characteristics
Crew: 2 pilots and 2 crew
Length: 11.6 m (38 ft 1 in)
Height: 4 m (13 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 3,128 kg (6,896 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 4,300 kg (9,480 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshaft engines, 636 kW (853 hp) each
Main rotor diameter: 11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
Main rotor area: 111.22 m2 (1,197.2 sq ft)

Performance
Maximum speed: 330 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn)
Cruise speed: 240 km/h (150 mph, 130 kn)
Range: 658 km (409 mi, 355 nmi)
Service ceiling: 5,486 m (17,999 ft)

Armament
Guns:
1 x 7.62 mm M240 machine gun
1 x Barrett M107 0.50 in (12.70 mm) caliber precision rifle

Courtesy of United States Coast Guard.