The HH-65A Dolphins are short-range recovery helicopters, versatile workhorses that can be used in a variety of shore- or vessel-based U.S. Coast Guard missions.

Coast Guard Web sites and datasheets list the following specifications for the Dolphins:

€ manufacturer: Aerospatiale

€ rotor diameter: 39 feet, 2 inches

€ height: 13 feet

€ lenth: 44 feet, 5 inches

€ maximum gross weight: 9,200 pounds

€ number of engines per helo: 2

€ propulsion type: Lycoming LTS-101-750B-2 gas turbines, 742-horsepower apiece

€ crew: five

€ empty mission weight: 6,092 pounds

€ maximum range: 400 nautical miles

€ fuel capacity: 291 gallons

€ rescue hoist capacity: 600 pounds

€ maximum speed: 165 knots

€ cruising speed: 120 knots

€ maximum endurance: 3.5 hours

Susan Chambers, staff writer