The Eurocopter SA 365/AS 365 Dauphin 2 is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter originally manufactured by Aerospatiale, later by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). Several major variations of the Dauphin have been developed and entered production, including the military-oriented Eurocopter Panther, the HH/MH-65 Dolphin, the Chinese-produced Harbin Z-9 and the improved Eurocopter EC155. The AS 365N (originally SA 365N) is the much improved version of the SA 365C Dauphin 2, the first prototype flying on 31 March 1979. This version introduced the uprated 492 kW Arriel 1C turboshafts, a retractable tricycle undercarriage, enlarged tail surfaces, and revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowlings. The aircraft's initial M.T.O.W. of 3,850 kg was later raised to 4,000 kg. Deliveries of the production model began in 1982.