Jan. 30, 2017 —
The second MH-65E Dolphin short range recovery helicopter, CGNR 6587, sits on the ramp at Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, Alabama, following its transfer Jan. 25, 2017. ATC Mobile personnel will use the aircraft to develop materials to train pilots and aircrew to operate the new model. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Norris.
The Coast Guard transferred its second MH-65E Dolphin short range recovery helicopter to Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, Alabama, Jan. 25 for use in developing a training curriculum for the new models.
The MH-65 conversion and sustainment program is in the final segment of upgrades. The helicopters are redesignated as MH-65Es, or Echo models, upon completion. The Coast Guard has completed two MH-65Es: the prototype and a second aircraft to validate the changes. These have completed preliminary flight tests; developmental testing on the prototype is ongoing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
The transfer of the second MH-65E to ATC Mobile will allow training center personnel to develop curricula to prepare pilots and aircrew to operate the new models. MH-65E upgrades include modernization of the avionics systems, installation of new sensors and improvements to the automatic flight control system. ATC Mobile personnel will use the upgraded aircraft, a full-size flight simulator and desktop cockpit avionics procedures trainers to familiarize users with the new configuration and screen displays. Training center personnel will also use the aircraft to develop course syllabi and flight manuals and to continue validation of maintenance procedure cards in partnership with Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, which is the primary unit responsible for field-level maintenance management.
Low-rate initial production of the MH-65Es is currently planned to begin in 2018.
For more information: MH-65 program page