Safran Helicopter Engines has been recently awarded a new contract to extend in-service engine support for the US Coast Guard’s fleet of MH-65 Dolphin helicopters.
According to a press release posted last Monday, April 15, this five-year agreement ensures the continued maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of over 240 Arriel 2C2-CG engines powering the twin-engine helicopters.
Ensuring Optimal Performance for Coast Guard’s MH-65 Dolphins
The contract will see Safran leverage its expertise in “support-by-the-hour” (SBH) services, providing the Coast Guard with a comprehensive engine maintenance solution.
The work will be executed at Safran’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, which supports a vast network of over 400 customers and 3,200 engines in the United States.
“We are honored by the continued trust placed in our SBH services by the US Coast Guard,” said Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines. “MH-65 helicopters play a vital role in safeguarding and rescuing lives at sea, and guaranteeing optimal service for their Arriel engines is paramount.”
The workhorse of the US Coast Guard’s air arm, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, is a twin-engine machine relied upon for critical search and rescue missions.
These versatile helicopters perform a multitude of tasks, including medical evacuations, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security patrols, making them an essential component of Coast Guard operations.
A Proven Powerplant for Short-Range Missions
Safran’s Arriel turbofan engine was selected by the US Coast Guard to power its MH-65 fleet in 2003.
Since then, these engines have accumulated over 1.7 million flight hours, supporting countless short-range recovery missions, as highlighted by Safran.
Each Arriel engine delivers 853 horsepower, enabling the MH-65 to achieve a maximum speed of 180 knots (210 miles per hour), a range of 335 nautical miles, and an operational ceiling of up to 18,000 feet.
Safran’s Continued Success in Engine Support
This contract adds to Safran’s recent string of successful engine support agreements.
In April, the company secured a similar deal to extend support for the UK Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopter engines.
Additionally, March saw Safran awarded a contract to deliver repairs, overhauls, and spare parts for the engines of Qatar’s Rafale fighter jets.
In 2022, Safran partnered with Airbus to renew a support contract for the engines powering the US Army’s UH-72 Lakota helicopters.
This latest contract reaffirms Safran’s position as a leading provider of comprehensive engine support solutions for military rotorcraft across the globe.
The continued reliability and performance of the Arriel engines are crucial for the US Coast Guard’s critical search and rescue operations.
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