Kaman SH-2F
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.
| Wingspan | 44 ft |
Rotor Diameter |
| Length | 52 ft 7 in. |
Length |
| Height | 15 ft 6 in. |
Height |
| Weight | 13,500 (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 153 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 17,600 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 410 miles |
Range |
| Engines | Two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines with 1,350 horsepower each |
Engines |
| Crew | 3 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Kaman
Markings
Light Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron 31 (HSL-31), Naval Air Station North Island, California
Serial Number
150155
Designation
SH-2F