Kaman SH-2F Seasprite

Manufacturer
Kaman
Markings
Light Anti-submarine Helicopter Squadron 31 (HSL-31), North Island Naval Air Station, California
Designation
SH-2F
Serial Number
150155

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 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. Seasprites remain in limited Navy service and in the service of several other nations including; New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, and Poland.