Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+: Buyer’s and Investor’s Guide

The Dauphin family of helicopters has been in production since 1975. The Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+ is the latest version of the Dauphin still  in production.  The EC155 is effectively the AS365 N4 before it was re-designated. The company developed the Airbus Helicopters X3 aircraft which is now on display in the Musee de L’Air at Paris Le Bourget. The AS565 Panther is the military variant and it is also in service with the USCG as an HH-65. It is also built by the Chinese as the Z-9.

Missions: Airborne Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Offshore, Executive, EMS

First delivery: 1975 (all variants)

World fleet:

Category: Twin Engine

Performance

Maximum speed (Vne): 155 kts 287 km/hr 178 mph

Maximum cruise speed/Fast cruise (Vh): 145 kts 269 km/hr 167 mph

Maximum range: 427 nm/791 km (no reserve)

Weights

Maximum takeoff gross weight: 9,480 lb/4,300 kg

Empty weight: 5,315 lb/2,410  kg

Useful load: 4,165 lb/1,889 kg

Passengers (crew): Up to 13 (one or two pilots)

Terry Spruce

Terry is Senior News Editor and writes for both Corporate Jet Investor and Helicopter Investor. He is also responsible for our helicopter guides. Terry has been an aviation enthusiast since the early 1970s. He is a lapsed Private Pilot and ex-Piper Cherokee owner. He has flown a number of light aircraft and is comfortable sitting in the co-pilot's seat or the back of any aircraft. Before moving to journalism he was a banker for 20 years. You can contact him at: terry@corporatejetinvestor.com or follow him on twitter @Terry_Spruce

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