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.

MH-65 helicopter
MH-65 Dolphin helicopter (Image source: DVIDS)

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.