Kaman SH-2F Seasprite – Photos & Video

Teh Καμάν SH-2 Θαλασσίτης is a ship-based helicopter originally developed in the late 1950s as a fast utility helicopter for the United States Navy. In the 1970s, anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capabilities were added to the design, including over-the-horizon targeting, resulting in modifying most existing UH-2 models to the SH-2 Seasprite. 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. It served with the U.S. Navy from the 1960s until the last SH-2G helicopters were retired in 2001.

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The Kaman SH-2F Seasprite is a variant of the SH-2 Seasprite, a ship-based helicopter developed and produced by American manufacturer Kaman Aircraft Corporation. The SH-2F was designed for anti-submarine warfare missions and was equipped with a dipping sonar, a magnetic anomaly detector, and torpedoes. The SH-2F entered service with the US Navy in 1973 and was deployed on various frigates and destroyers. The SH-2F also had a secondary role of search and rescue, utility and plane guard. The SH-2F was powered by two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines, giving it a maximum speed of 265 km/h and a range of 679 km. The SH-2F had a four-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor. The SH-2F could carry up to three crew members and had a maximum takeoff weight of 5,805 kg. The SH-2F was retired from the US Navy in 1993 and replaced by the SH-60 Seahawk. Some of the SH-2F helicopters were sold to other countries, such as New Zealand and Peru.