SH-2G Super Seasprite

SH-2F aboard USS WAINWRIGHT (CG 28) in the Persian Gulf in 1988 The SH-2G Super Seasprite is a ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine warfare (ASW / ASUW), anti-ship missile defense (ASMD), anti-ship surveillance and targeting (ASST) and including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships, and patrol craft that may be armed with anti-ship missiles.

The different versions of the SH-2:

the UH-2A; the first serial model, 88 helicopters delivered.
the UH-2B; simplified version of the UH-2A without the extensive navigation equipment. 102 helicopters were built.
the UH-2C; twin-engined version of the UH-2A. The former versions also got a second turbine.
the HH-2C; armed version of the UH-2C for the Navy.
the HH-2D; armed version, developed in 1969, delivered in 1970.
the NUH-2C; armed with air-to-air missiles, later renamed NUH-2D. This version was tested in 1971.
the SH-2D; multipurpose version of the HH-2D. Delivered in 1971 and used for ASUW and ASW.
the YSH-2E; SH-2D with new radar equipment.
the SH-2F; improved SH-2D.
the SH-2G; improved SH-2F, current version.

go to the end of the page

Features:

The primary tasks of the Seasprite-helicopters are anti-submarine and anti-surface warefare (ASW and ASUW), anti-ship missile defense (ASMD) and anti-ship surveillance and targeting (ASST). The secondary tasks are medical evacuation, search and rescue, personal and cargo transport, as well as small boat interdiction, amphibious assault air surport, gun fire spotting, mine detection and battle damage assessment.

go to the end of the page

Development:

A product of Kaman Aerospace Corporation of Bloomfield, CT, the SH-2G Super Seasprite was originally developed in the mid-1950s as a shipboard utility helicopter for the Navy. Utilizing a unique blade flap design on the main rotors, aerodynamic action of the flaps allows the pilot to fly without the aid of hydraulic assistance. The SH-2G is configured specifically to respond to the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) requirement of the United States Navy. The LAMPS concept extends the search and attack capabilities of carrier and convoy escort vessels over the horizon through the use of radar/ESM equipped helicopters.
The original UH-2 took off on July 2, 1959, and the US Navy over the years ordered various variants. Work on the SH-2G began in the 1980s, and an engine testbed for the T700 engines, which replace the T58, flew in April 1985. A prototype with full avionics fit followed on December 28, 1989. First new production SH-2G was accepted into service with the US Navy Reserve Squadron HSL-84 at NAS North Island (San Diego) on February 25, 1993. The Super Seasprites are used for long-range surveillance, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare countermeasures, SAR and utility missions.

go to the end of the page

General Characteristics
Contractor:	Kaman
Propulsion:	2 T700-GE-401/401C turboshaft engines
Length:	52 feet 9 inches (15.9 meters)
Fuselage length:	40 feet 6 inches (12.2 meters)
Height:	15 feet (4.5 meters)
Weight:	9,110 pounds (4100 kg) (empty)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:	13,500 pounds (6,075 kg)
Range:	340 nautical miles (391 miles; 627 km)
Ceiling:	10,000 feet (3048 meters) (at 13,500 pounds (6,075kg))
Speed:	150 knots (172.5 mph; 277.55 kmph)
Crew:	3
Armament:	2 Mk 46 or Mk 50 torpedoes
Unit Cost:	$26 million
Date Deployed:	First flight: July 2, 1959 (UH-2)

go to the end of the page

SH-2 Image Gallery:

Back to helicopters list.

Back to selection page.

Back to 1^st page.