Kaman SH-2 Seasprite

The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite was a utility helicopter in service with the US Navy from 1962 to 1993. During the Vietnam War, it had been used as a search and rescue helicopter, but it would be adapted and upgraded for the anti-surface and anti-submarine roles in the SH-2F and SH-2G variants respectively. It was a reliable and versatile chopper, which was a familiar sight on the world's oceans for more than three decades.

The prototype, the HU2K-1, performed its maiden flight on July 2, 1959. It would be introduced into service with the US Navy in December 1962 as the SH-2 Seasprite, which was a ship-based rescue helicopter. It flew dramatic missions in Southeast Asia, such as the one flown by commander Clyde Everett Lassen on June 19, 1968. On that day, he went deep into North Vietnam under heavy fire to rescue a downed F-4 Phantom II's crewman. Lieutenant Lassen was one of only two naval aviators to be awarded the Medal of Honor during that armed conflict.

Below, a photo of the Seasprite after it was upgraded to fulfill the anti-submarine warfare role in 1969. You can see the Mk-46 torpedo and the search radar on helicopter belly.

Technical Description

The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite was a twin-engine helicopter, with four-bladed rotors. However, up until 1969, it had been a single-engine craft, with a three-bladed main rotor. The new power plant gave the Seasprite a much longer range and anti-submarine warfare capability. It had a compact sturdy fuselage and a cockpit big enough to accommodate a pilot and a co-pilot. The rear compartment had room for two seats and a stretcher for rescue missions (it housed a systems officer in the anti-submarine version).

The SH-2 Seasprite was powered by two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines. However, the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite version featured two General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines. For the anti-submarine and anti-surface role, the helicopter was fitted with a Litton LN-66 radar for detecting surface ships and submarine periscopes and snort masts, an undernose infrared turret, and an ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector ("bird").

Specifications

Type: versatile utility helicopter

Length:  16 m (52 feet, 9 inches)

Height: 4.58 m (15 feet)

Main Rotor Diameter: 13.51 m (44 feet, 4 inches)

Power Plant: two T58-GE-8F turbshaft engines.

Maximum Speed: 265 km/h (165 mph) at sea level.

Range: 679 km (422 miles)

Service Ceiling: 5,670 m (18,602 feet)

Crew: 3

Armament (SH-2G): two Mk-46, or Mk-50 light-weight torpedoes; two AGM-65 Maverick missiles; two 7.62mm machine guns.

Below, The SH-2 on the launch-pad of a US Navy's destroyer in 1971.

Below, two pictures of the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite version. The ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector can be seen in the sponson located on the starboard side.