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SH-2F Seasprite of the US Navy | |
Role | Anti-submarine warfare helicopter |
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Manufacturer | Kaman Aircraft Corporation |
First flight | 2 July 1959 (HU2K-1) |
Introduction | December 1962 |
Retired | 1993 (F United States Navy) 2001 (G USN)2008 Royal Australian Navy |
Status | Partially Retired;G model in service |
Primary users | United States Navy (historical) Royal New Zealand Air Force Polish Navy Egyptian Navy |
Produced | 1959-19691971-1990s F/G model and conversions |
Number built | 184 |
Variants | Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite |
The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite is a ship-based helicopter originally developed and produced by American manufacturer Kaman Aircraft Corporation. It has been typically used as a compact and fast-moving rotorcraft for utility and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. Early on it was modest sized single-engined naval utility helicopter, and progressed to twin-engine ASW and SAR, and the latest model served well into the 21st century, with G model in active service in the 2020s with Egypt, New Zealand, Peru, and Poland.
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The UH-2 entered operational service with the USN in 1962. The single engine greatly restricted performance. Kaman was ordered to convert all of the Seasprites to a twin-engine configuration. The upgraded helicopters had a 130 knots (240 km/h) airspeed and a 411 nautical miles (761 km) operating range.[2] The USN operated nearly 200 Seasprites in multiple roles, including ASW, SAR, and utility transport.[
During the late 1990s, the United States decided to offer the surplus U.S. Navy SH-2Fs as foreign aid to a number of overseas countries
During the late 1990s, the United States decided to offer the surplus U.S. Navy SH-2Fs as foreign aid to a number of overseas countries