Aircraft overview

The Airbus Helicopters H155 / AS365 Dauphin is a twin engine, medium class helicopter family with roots in the Aerospatiale Dauphin program. The original AS365 first flew in the 1970s, while the enlarged EC155, later renamed H155 under Airbus Helicopters, first flew in 1997 and entered service in 1999. The type is used for corporate transport, offshore energy support, emergency medical services, search and rescue, law enforcement and public service missions. It matters in the used market because it combines a conventional twin engine safety case with a quiet Fenestron tail rotor, retractable landing gear and a cabin suited to passenger or mission equipment layouts.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends on variant and equipment. A typical AS365 N3 cruises around 145 to 150 knots, while the H155 B1 is commonly quoted around 143 knots in cruise. Published range is generally in the 400 nautical mile class, subject to reserves, tanks, payload and mission profile. The H155 B1 has a maximum takeoff weight of about 10,846 lb, and useful load varies materially with interior, avionics and optional equipment, so individual weight and balance records are important. Service ceiling figures are commonly published up to about 15,000 feet for the H155. Power comes from two Turbomeca, now Safran, Arriel turboshaft engines: Arriel 2C series on later AS365 variants and Arriel 2C2 engines on the H155 B1.

Cabin & avionics

The AS365 Dauphin typically seats one or two pilots and up to 11 or 12 passengers depending on configuration. The H155 has a longer, wider cabin than earlier Dauphin models and is often configured for 8 to 12 passengers, executive seating, EMS stretchers or offshore utility interiors. Large sliding doors and a low vibration five blade main rotor on the H155 support cabin comfort. Avionics are not normally described by Garmin Perspective or G1000 branding. Typical equipment includes EFIS displays on later aircraft, dual navigation and communication radios, GPS, weather radar, transponder, radar altimeter, engine and vehicle monitoring, and a four axis autopilot on many H155 and late AS365 examples.

Buying & value

Buyers should distinguish carefully between AS365 N, N2, N3, N3+ and H155 B or B1 aircraft, as engines, avionics, cabin volume, performance and support status differ. Review total time, component life remaining, engine cycles, gearbox history, Fenestron and main rotor records, corrosion exposure, offshore modifications, EMS provisions and autopilot capability. Common value drivers include engine standard, glass cockpit upgrades, air conditioning, float or hoist equipment, executive interior condition and recent major inspections. In the used market, the AS365 generally positions as a proven utility and public service twin, while the H155 typically commands interest from buyers needing a larger cabin and more modern Dauphin derivative without moving into a heavier super medium helicopter.