SA 365 C Dauphin 2

The SA 365 C Dauphin 2, developed by Aérospatiale in the early 1980s, is a twin‑engine, medium‑weight helicopter that quickly became a benchmark for civil and military rotorcraft. Building on the success of the original SA 365 Dauphin, the C variant introduced a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 1A2 turboshaft, dual digital autopilot, and an all‑glass cockpit that enhanced situational awareness. Its five‑blade main rotor, combined with a slender fuselage and retractable landing gear, gave the Dauphin 2 a reputation for speed, agility, and low vibration levels, achieving cruise speeds near 260 km/h and a range exceeding 800 km. First flown in 1981 and certified in 1984, the aircraft entered service with operators worldwide, ranging from offshore oil‑rig transport and emergency medical services to law‑enforcement and naval patrol duties. The SA 365 C’s versatility and reliability paved the way for the later Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS365 series, influencing design philosophies for subsequent twin‑engine helicopters. Its legacy endures as a workhorse that demonstrated how advanced avionics, efficient powerplants, and refined aerodynamics could coexist in a compact platform, shaping modern rotorcraft operations.