In 1980, the United States Coast Guard chose the SA 366 G1 Dauphin to be its short range recovery air rescue helicopter and given the title HH-65A Dolphin. A total of 99 Dolphin helicopters were improved for its function as a rescuer for the United States Coast Guard. The aircraft was the replacement for Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard. In 2002, a total of 94 Dolphin units were in use by the United States Coast Guard. Some of its functions were for security patrols, pollution control, enforcement of laws and treaties and missions like search and rescue. It was famous because of its autopilot abilities that allow the crew to take on other duties.

To meet the United States rules in local content engineering, modifications were made. Its engine was changed with Allied Signal LTS-101-750B-2 power plants. In 2004, the engine problems still continued and they decided to replace it with Arriel 2C2 units. It was a more competent and secured aircraft. The improved HH-65A Dolphins were chosen as HH-65C Dolphins. The HH-65A cannot execute water landings. It typically takes a crew of four.

It was produced by Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation in Texas. The LTS-101 750B-2 turbo shaft engines were built by the Textron Lycoming in Pennsylvania and the electronic systems was built by the Rockwell International in Iowa. It was frequently used from shore, coast guard cutters and in the polar icebreakers. When it was used in an icebreaker, it serves as an eye for the ships in search for passable ice channels. It was also used in transporting some scientist to perform their research and for transport of supplies on villages that were inaccessible because of winter.

The HH-65As are made of anti-corrosion composite structure materials and has a minimum equipment requirement of less than 10,000 lbs. The Dolphin has unique features like its tail rotor and a computerized flight management system. The system gives an automatic flight handling. The system will take the helicopter to a sure 50 feet above a chosen thing. This is a vital feature in darkness and in bad weather.

The HH-65 is an alternative of the French-built Dauphin. It can work off shore at 150 miles and will fly at three hours at 120 knots. Its maximum speed is 135 miles per hour and has a service ceiling of 7,510 feet. Its height is 13 feet and its empty weight is 6,092 pounds.

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