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| Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite |
Militarymedia.net | The Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is a modernized and upgraded version of the previous SH-2 Seasprite. The first prototype flew in 1985. It was a conversion of the previous SH-2F anti-submarine helicopter with upgraded engines. The type entered service in 1991. Like its predecessor the Super Seasprite has the same mission. It is a ship-based long-range anti-submarine helicopter. Secondary missions are search & rescue, anti-delivery, liaison and utility operations. It is also used for over-the-horizon surveillance and targeting. The Super Seasprite can operate from coast guard cutters, offshore patrol vessels, such as corvettes, frigates, and other large ships with landing decks.
Despite its versatility and multi-mission capability, the SH-2G Super Seasprite was retired from the US Navy in 2004. But other countries, such as Egypt, New Zealand, Peru and Poland are actively using this helicopter.
The Super Seasprite has a crew of three, including a pilot and a tactical operator. The pilot flies the helicopter, while the tactical operator operates the advanced weapons and systems.
The helicopter has a modular cargo compartment, which can be reconfigured to suit different missions. It can transfer personnel and cargo. With the sonobuoy system removed, the SH-2G can carry up to 4 passengers, 2 stretchers or up to 1,814 kg of cargo can be carried as a slung load.
Super Seasprite can be used for mine detection. For this role, the SH-2G can carry the Magic Lantern device developed by Kaman, a laser detector that finds mines from the surface of the water to the keel of most warships. For search & rescue operations, the Super Seasprite features a collapsible 270 kg rescue hoist and 1,810 kg external cargo latch.
The SH-2G is the last remaining helicopter used by the US Navy to fly the LAMPS I anti-submarine warfare mission. The helicopter features low-frequency immersion sonar, onboard radar, front mounted FLIR system, aquatic data processing. The system can receive data from more than 100 sonars.
The current active fleet of SH-60 helicopters carries the upgraded LAMPS III system. At some point, the US Navy has replayed two squadrons of Naval Reserve SH-2Gs for new missions. If needed, the SH-2G can be used for medical evacuations, supporting amphibious assaults, or conducting battle damage assessments.
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| Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite |
This helicopter can be equipped with a variety of weaponry. It can carry a variety of weapons, such as the Penguin AGM-119B anti-ship missile, the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile and the Mk.50 torpedo. The helicopter has provisions for two machine guns. Various machine guns can be carried, such as the M60 or M134 Gatling gun.
The SH-2G is powered by two T700-GE-401 turbo shaft engines, each producing 1723 shp. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, the helicopter can fly with one engine. The rotor blades have reduced vibration, for longer component life and reduced crew fatigue.
The fuselage of this helicopter is specially designed for maritime operations. The rotor blades can be folded for easy placement on the boat.
The helicopter has a chaff and flare dispenser, side suppression system, ballistic tolerant fuel cell. Pilots and tactical operators sit in energy-absorbing, crash-worthy seats. There is also an emergency flotation device.
The rebuilt SH-2G helicopter uses modern commercial naval systems and equipment, such as an integrated glass cockpit, digital automatic flight control system, modern navigation and communication systems. This helicopter can operate during the day/night and in all weather conditions.
An interesting feature of this helicopter is that it can be refueled in the air by pulling the fuel pump from the ship's deck. This method can be used in bad weather conditions.
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| Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite |
