The Aerospatiale HH-65C is a French designed and built twin-engine light utility helicopter. It was first developed and manufactured by the French aerospace company Aerospatiale in the early 1980s. The HH-65C is used primarily for search and rescue, medical evacuation (medevac), and law enforcement operations. It is one of the most popular helicopters in the United States, with more than 500 units in service.

Aerospatiale initially developed the HH-65C as a replacement for the aging Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw, an American-made helicopter used primarily for search and rescue operations. The HH-65C was designed to be a more reliable and efficient helicopter, with improved performance in high altitudes and greater range. In addition, the HH-65C was designed to be more cost-effective to operate than the H-19.

The HH-65C is a highly versatile and capable aircraft, with a wide range of features and capabilities. It is equipped with twin Turbomeca Arriel 1C turboshaft engines, which provide the helicopter with improved performance in high altitudes. The HH-65C is also equipped with a modern avionics suite, including a digital autopilot, advanced navigation systems, and an advanced search and rescue avionics package.

The HH-65C has seen extensive use in the United States, with over 500 units in service. It is used by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for search and rescue missions, as well as by various law enforcement agencies. The HH-65C is also used by the United States Air Force (USAF) for medical evacuation missions.

The HH-65C has been praised for its reliability and efficiency, with no major safety issues reported over time. However, the aircraft has been criticized for its relatively low speed, due to its relatively small size and limited range.

Despite this, the HH-65C has been an important innovator in the field of helicopters. It was the first helicopter to be equipped with a modern avionics suite, as well as the first to be equipped with a digital autopilot. It has also been praised for its search and rescue capabilities, as it is capable of operating in high-altitude conditions and can carry a substantial payload.

The HH-65C is a unique aircraft, as it is designed to be a highly versatile and efficient utility helicopter. Its smaller size and range make it suitable for a wide range of operations, while its modern avionics suite and autopilot make it highly capable in search and rescue missions. It is also highly cost-effective to operate, making it an attractive option for many agencies.