 In March 1999, deliveries of the EC155 B commenced, the German Federal Police became the first operator of the type.Between March 1999 and June 2003, roughly 50 EC155 Dauphins were sold, mainly to VIP and off-shore customers.The EC155 B1 was developed with uprated engines, giving it improved performance at high altitude and in hot temperature conditions; this derivative also features a higher maximum take-off weight (10,846 lb vs. 10,580 lb).