Kaman SH 2G Seasprite Helicopter
Seasprite SH-2G Helicopter specifications:
Standard Displacement: 6 tonnes
Length Overall: 16.1 metres
Beam: 3 metres (Main Rotor Diameter: 13.4 metres)
Height: 4.6 metres
Speed: 120 knots. Operating maximum 150 knots.
Range: 450 nautical miles (Endurance 3.5 hours)
Complement: 3 crew: pilot, tactical operator and crewman
Plus up to 5 passengers
Evacuation capacity of 2 stretchers and 2 attendants
Propulsion: Two General Electric T700 Turbines (1600 hp each)
Armament: Can be armed with a combination of homing torpedoes, depth charges, Maverick Air to Surface missiles, M60 Machine Gun.
Other: Ceiling height 3048 metres
Lifting Capacity 1814kgs,
Winch Lifting Capacity 272kgs or two people.
Images above:
Left, guiding the Seasprite to come forward for landing
Right, lashing the Seasprite to the flight deck in high seas
The Seasprites are carried on the Navy's ANZAC Class Frigates HMNZ Ships TE KAHA and TE MANA. By 2007 they will also operate off the two new Offshore Patrol Vessels and the Multi Role Vessel. The Seasprites are fitted with a sophisticated radar and sensors suite, which increases the frigates' surveillance effectiveness six fold.
This multi purpose helicopter is able to conduct a variety of tasks, including surface and sub-surface warfare missions, surveillance operations, day and night search and rescue, medical evacuation, VIP flights, and intelligence gathering.
Frigate from astern with Seasprite on flight deck
The Kaman SH-2G Seasprite was selected as the replacement helicopter for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in March 1997. Five SH-2G aircraft were built for the RNZN; the first left the USA for delivery in April 2001. They have an expected operating life of 25 years, or 10,000 hours, of flying.
The Seasprite refuelling in mid-air from the supply and replenishment vessel HMNZS ENDEAVOUR