G-BTNC - Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
Manufacturer Information
The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) AS365 Dauphin (pronounced 'doh-fan'), also formerly known as the Aérospatiale SA 365 Dauphin 2, is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter produced by Airbus Helicopters. It was originally developed and manufactured by French firm Aérospatiale, which was merged into the multinational Eurocopter company during the 1990s. Since entering production in 1975, the type has been in continuous production for more than 40 years. The intended successor to the Dauphin is the Airbus Helicopters H160, which is yet to enter operational service as of January 2020.
History of the reg
With one registration during its service life, our Dauphin was initially registered by CHC Scotia Ltd. (UK), in June 1991, where it served for 21 years.
The aircraft was transferred to Multiflight Ltd. (UK) in August 2012, where it served as a private charter helicopter for VIP transport. It was retired in late 2020/early 2021.
The Dauphin is quite recognisable in the North of England, as it is the type used by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). The GNAAS fleet can often be seen flying around the North East.
Our History with the Aircraft
Impossible to miss, the Dauphin is the centrepiece of our bar. Planted securely on top of our distillery area, the retired private-charter helicopter is an imposing and exciting presence.
We suspect that the tail boom of the aircraft is from a different aircraft entirely, although the reg of this is currently unknown and we are investigating any leads. You will notice the difference in the liveries between the fuselage and tail boom.
