Kaman SH-2F Seasprite

The Seasprite is a light anti-submarine helicopter designed to be operated from smaller warships such as destroyers and frigates.  The original design of the SH-2 dates to 1957 and a Navy requirement for a light utility helicopter.  Kaman won the contract and began producing the HU2K in 1962.  In the late 1960s the Navy began to look for an anti-submarine helicopter that would be small enough to operate from destroyers and frigates.  The Seasprite proved to be perfect for the job and the SH-2D version was introduced.    The most significant upgrades to the design were the addition of a second engine and external weapon mounting points.  The SH-2D entered service in 1971.  By the mid-1980s virtually all the Seasprites built had been upgraded to SH-2F status with further electronic improvements.  The Seasprite was retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001. 

Manufacturer
Kaman

Markings
Light Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron 31 (HSL-31), Naval Air Station North Island, California

Serial Number
150155

Designation
SH-2F