Editing Kaman SH-2 Seasprite

{{Short description|1959 anti-submarine helicopter family by Kaman}}
{{Redirect2|SH-2|Seasprite|SH2 related uses |SH2 (disambiguation)|Sea Sprite related uses|Sea Sprite (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
| name = SH-2 Seasprite
| image = File:SH-2F Seasprite landing on the USS Nicholson (cropped).jpg
| image_caption = SH-2F Seasprite of the US Navy
| aircraft_type = [[Anti-submarine warfare]] helicopter
| manufacturer = [[Kaman Aircraft|Kaman Aircraft Corporation]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 2 July 1959 (HU2K-1)
| introduction = December 1962
| retired = 1993 (F [[United States Navy]]) <br />2001 (G USN) <br />2008 Royal Australian Navy
| status = Partially Retired; G model in service
| primary_user = [[United States Navy]] (historical)
| more_users = [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] <br />[[Polish Navy]] <br />[[Egyptian Navy]]
| produced = 1959–1969 <br />1971–1990s F/G model and conversions
| number_built = 184
| developed_from = 
| variants = [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
}}

The '''Kaman SH-2 Seasprite''' is a ship-based [[helicopter]] originally developed and produced by American manufacturer [[Kaman Aircraft|Kaman Aircraft Corporation]]. It has been typically used as a compact and fast-moving rotorcraft for [[Utility aircraft|utility]] and [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) missions. Early on it was modest sized single-engined naval utility helicopter, and progressed to twin-engine ASW and SAR, and the latest model served well into the 21st century, with G model in active service in the 2020s with Egypt, New Zealand, Peru, and Poland.

The Seasprite, with the internal Kaman designation ''K-20'', was developed in the late 1950s in response to a [[United States Navy]] (USN) requirement for a suitably fast and compact naval utility helicopter. The USN found the Seasprite attractive, and ordered four prototypes and an initial batch of 12 production helicopters as the ''HU2K-1''. Under the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system]], the ''HU2K'' and ''HU2K-1'' were re-designated as ''H-2'' and ''UH-2A'' respectively. Kaman also pursued foreign sales; after showing interest, the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (RCN) rejected the Seasprite due to an unexpected price increase and underperformance during sea trials. The USN addressed the poor performance by converting the single-engine Seasprites into a more powerful twin-engine configuration from 1968.

In October 1970, the USN selected the Seasprite as the interim [[Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System]] (LAMPS) helicopter, resulting in the ''SH-2D/F'' variant with enhanced ASW and [[anti-surface warfare]] sensors. Most UH-2s were converted into SH-2Fs.

USN Seasprites were used for ASW, [[search and rescue]] (SAR), utility and [[plane guard]] for [[aircraft carrier]]s. In the [[Vietnam War]] they were mainly used for [[combat search and rescue]] (CSAR), and combat support and surface warfare during the [[Gulf War]]. The [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|SH-2G Super Seasprite]] was the last variant and — in 2001 — the last Seasprite to leave USN service. Retired USN Seasprites were offered as [[foreign aid]] in the 1990s and 2000s; this led to quite some interest and F and/or G models served with New Zealand, Poland, and Egypt. Retired models were also sent to aviation museums, and a number have been put on display. However, the latest upgraded models are still in frontline service with several navies around the world.

==Design and development==
===Origins===
[[File:YUH-2A 147204 ditching NAN7-63.jpg|thumb|A YUH-2A during ditching trials, 1963]]
[[File:UH-2A HU-1 hoisting man from USS JR Craig (DD-885) c1964.jpg|thumb|UH-2A hoists someone from a ship, 1964. The Seasprite began its military career as modest naval utility helicopter.]]

In 1956, the USN launched a competition for a compact, all-weather multipurpose naval helicopter, and encouraged submissions from private companies.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia>Donald, David ed. "Kaman H-2 Seasprite", ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.</ref><ref name = "McGowen 60"/> Kaman responded with its ''K-20'' design, a relatively conventional helicopter with a [[General Electric T58|General Electric T58-8F]] [[turboshaft]] engine droving a 44-foot four-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor.<ref name = "McGowen 60">McGowen 2005, p. 60.</ref><ref name=Apostolo/> Kaman won the competition<ref name=Apostolo>Apostolo, G. ''The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters''. Bonanza Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-517-43935-2}}.</ref><ref name = "Pattillo 211">Pattillo 2001, p. 211.</ref> and was awarded a contract to construct four prototypes and an initial batch of 12 production helicopters, designated as the ''HU2K-1''.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>

In 1960, the HU2K was the RCN's preferred option for its ASW helicopter program, and the [[Government of Canada]] approved the purchase of 12 Seasprites for $14.5 million.<ref>Soward 1995, pp. 169–171.</ref> However, the purchase was disrupted by Kaman suddenly raising the price to $23 million, and concerns that the helicopter's designed [[Aircraft gross weight|weight]] and performance criteria were overoptimistic. The RCN delayed making a decision until after the USN sea trials<ref>Soward 1995, pp. 244–246.</ref> which confirmed that the HU2K was overweight and underpowered for their needs. In late-1961, Canada selected the competing [[Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King]] instead.<ref>Soward 1995, pp. 261–262.</ref>

In the late-1960s, without further orders Kaman decided to terminate production after completing the USN order of 184 H-2s. However, in 1971, production was restarted for the improved SH-2F<ref name = "Pattillo 312">Pattillo 2001, p. 312.</ref> to operate from older frigates. This ability meant it stayed in service to the end of the century, as even with the introduction of the newer, larger and overall more capable [[Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk]] which entered service starting in the mid-1980s, but it could not operate safety from the smaller flight decks like the smaller Seasprite.<ref>Lehman 2001, p. 183.</ref>

===Further developments===
[[File:UH-2C CVA-19 1968-69.jpg|thumb|A UH-2C aboard USS ''Hancock'' between July 1968 and March 1969]]
[[File:Kaman SH-2D.jpg|thumb|Kaman SH-2D]]

The HU2K-1 and HU2K-1U were re-designated as the UH-2A and UH-2B respectively under the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system]]. The Seasprite continued to receive modifications and improvements, including external stores mounts. Beginning in 1968, the USN's remaining UH-2s underwent a major conversion into a more powerful two-engine configuration.<ref name=Frawley_Military>Frawley 2002, p. 100.</ref>

In the 1960s, the US Army commissioned a gunship version, which was called the Kaman H-2 Tomahawk, and featured multiple [[M60 machine gun|M-60 machine guns]] ([[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62]]) and options for rocket launchers, however, it was passed over in favor of the [[Bell AH-1 Cobra|AH-1 Cobra]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaman Helicopters |url=https://www.airvectors.net/avkaman.html#m3 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=www.airvectors.net}}</ref>

In 1968 two UH-2Bs, were converted to NUH-2B.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forgotten Rotors - A Warbirds Resource Group Site |url=http://forgottenrotors.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/kaman_SH2_seasprite.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |website= forgottenrotors.warbirdsresourcegroup.org}}</ref> These were experimental versions for the U.S. Army, which attached a [[General Electric J85|J85 turbojet]] to the helicopter, and achieved speeds over 220s mph, and the second prototype had wings attached. Both prototypes were returned to SH2-D after the trials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walton |first=Bill |date=2021-09-24 |title=Seasprite: Kaman's Little Utility Helicopter Made a Big Impact on the Fleet |url=https://avgeekery.com/seasprite-kamans-little-utility-helicopter-made-a-big-impact-on-the-fleet/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Avgeekery.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 1970, the UH-2 was selected as the interim [[Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System]] (LAMPS) helicopter.<ref name=Frawley_Military/> LAMPS evolved during the 1960s from an urgent requirement to provide non-aviation ships with manned support and ASW helicopters. The "LAMPS Mark I" suite included advanced sensors, processors, and display capabilities. H-2s upgraded with LAMPS were called SH-2Ds, and became mobile radar and sonar platforms that enhanced the [[situational awareness]] of ships.<ref name=Frawley_Military/>

The SH-2D first flew on 16 March 1971.<ref>Pattillo 2001, pp. 312–313.</ref> Deliveries of the SH-2F began in 1973; the SH-2F included LAMPS I and other improvements, such as upgraded engines, an extended life main rotor, and an heavier take-off weight. During 1981, the USN ordered 60 SH-2Fs. From 1987, 16 SH-2Fs were upgraded with a chin-mounted [[Forward looking infrared|forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) sensor, [[chaff]]/[[flare]] launchers, dual rear-mounted [[infrared countermeasure]]s, and [[Demining#Current humanitarian demining methods|missile/mine detecting]] equipment.<ref name=Eden_p219>Eden 2004, p. 219.</ref>

All but two USN H-2s were converted into SH-2Fs. Fiscal Year 1986 was the last time SH-2F were ordered; the final six were converted into [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|SH-2G Super Seasprite]]s.<ref name=Eden_p219/>

==Operational history==
===United States===
[[File:UH-2A HC-1 CVA-63 Mar1966.jpg|thumb|A UH-2A on plane guard duty hovers over the USS ''Kitty Hawk'' in March 1966.]] 
[[File:HH-2D Seasprite approaches USS W.S. Sims (DE-1059) during flight deck strength tests in September 1970.jpg|thumb|HH-2D, which was a search and rescue version, on approach in 1970]]

The UH-2 entered operational service with the USN in 1962.<ref name=Apostolo/> The single engine greatly restricted performance. Kaman was ordered to convert all of the Seasprites to a twin-engine configuration. The upgraded helicopters had a {{convert|130|kn|km/h}} airspeed and a {{convert|411|nmi|km}} operating range.<ref name = "McGowen 60"/> The USN operated nearly 200 Seasprites in multiple roles, including ASW, SAR, and utility transport.<ref name = "McGowen 60"/> Under typical operational conditions, USN [[aircraft carrier]] deployed with several UH-2s in the [[plane guard]] and SAR roles.<ref name=Frawley_Military/>

The UH-2 was introduced in time to see action in the [[Tonkin Gulf incident]] in August 1964. The Seasprite's main role in the [[Vietnam War]] was CSAR of downed aircrews at sea and overland, reliance on the Seasprite in this role increased as the conflict intensified, such as during [[Operation Rolling Thunder]] in 1965.<ref name = "Dunstan 152">Dunstan 2003, p. 152.</ref> During October 1966, helicopter-based SAR teams recovered 103 out of 269 downed pilots.<ref>Hearn 2005, p. 255.</ref>

During the 1970s, the conversion of UH-2s to the SH-2 anti-submarine configuration provided the U.S. Navy with its first dedicated ASW helicopter capable of operating from vessels other than its aircraft carriers. The compact size of the SH-2 allowed the type to be operated from flight decks that were too small for the majority of helicopters; this factor would later play a role in the U.S. Navy's decision to acquire the improved SH-2F during the early 1980s.<ref>Boyne 2002, p. 343.</ref>

The SH-2F fleet was utilized to enforce and support [[Operation Earnest Will]] in July 1987, [[Operation Praying Mantis]] in April 1988, and [[Operation Desert Storm]] during January 1991 in the [[Persian Gulf]] region.<ref>Chant 2001, p. 54.</ref> The countermeasures and additional equipment present upon the SH-2F allowed the type to conduct combat support and surface warfare missions within these hostile environments, which had an often-minimal submarine threat. In April 1994, the SH-2F was retired from active service with the U.S. Navy; the timing corresponded with the retirement of the last of the Vietnam-era [[Knox-class frigate]]s that were unable to accommodate the new and larger [[SH-60 Sea Hawk]]s, which were used to replace the aging Seasprites.

In 1991, the U.S. Navy had begun to receive deliveries of the new SH-2G Super Seasprite; a total of 18 converted SH-2Fs and 6 new-built SH-2Gs were produced.<ref>Endres and Gething 2005, p. 492.</ref> These were assigned to Naval Reserve squadrons, the SH-2G entered service with HSL-84 in 1993.<ref name=JAU_SH-2G>''Jane's Aircraft Upgrades''. Jane's Information Group, 2009. [http://www8.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/yb/jau/jau_1576.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JAU&keyword= (subscription article)]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} posted 20 March 2009.</ref> The SH-2 served in some 600 deployments and flew 1.5 million flight hours before the last of the type were finally retired from US Navy service in mid-2001.<ref name=JAU_SH-2G/><ref>Stephens, Ernie. [http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/observation/Putting-the-&quotSuper%22-in-the-Kaman-Super-Seasprite_35381.html "Putting the "Super" in the Kaman Super Seasprite"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514053131/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/observation/Putting-the-%26quotSuper%22-in-the-Kaman-Super-Seasprite_35381.html |date=2016-05-14 }}. ''Rotor & Wing'', 1 October 2009.</ref>

===New Zealand===

The [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] (RNZN) replaced its [[Westland Wasp]]s with an initial batch of four<ref>{{cite web |title=RNZN Kaman SH-2F Seasprite and SH-2G & Sh-2G(I) Super Seasprite |url=http://www.adf-serials.com/nz-serials/nzseasprite.htm|work=New Zealand military Aircraft Serials |access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref> interim SH-2F Seasprites (formerly operated by the U.S. Navy), operated and maintained by a mix of Navy and Air Force personnel known as [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF]] Naval Support Flight, to operate with [[Anzac-class frigate|ANZAC class frigates]] until the fleet of five new [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite]]s were delivered. In October 2005, the Navy air element was transferred to [[No. 6 Squadron RNZAF]] at [[RNZAF Base Auckland]] in Whenuapai. RNZN Seasprites have seen service in [[East Timor]]. 10 of the 11 SH-2G(A)s rejected by the [[Royal Australian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Defence Business: Seasprite – what went wrong? |url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/5FB79830-F807-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9 |website=australiandefence.com.au |date=19 April 2013 |access-date=30 October 2016}}</ref> were purchased in 2014 to replace the five RNZN SH-2G(NZ) Seasprites that had required either a MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) or replacement due to corrosion issues, maintenance problems and obsolescence.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-zealand-struggles-with-seasprite-sustainment-361091/ | title=New Zealand struggles with Seasprite sustainment| date=2011-08-22}}</ref> Kaman modified the ex-Australian aircraft and renamed them SH-2G(I), with the last one being delivered to New Zealand in early 2016. Eight of the aircraft are flying with the ninth and tenth aircraft being attritional aircraft used for spares etc. The 11th aircraft is held by Kaman as a prototype and test aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.navy.mil.nz/mtf/fsac/naval-helicopter-replacement.htm |title = RNZN - Naval Helicopter Replacement}}</ref> The five SH-2G(NZ) have been sold to Peru.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/12/nz-sells-soon-to-be-retired-seasprites-to-peru/ |title = NZ sells soon-to-be retired Seasprites to Peru|date = 2014-12-22}}</ref> A SH-2F (ex-RNZN, NZ3442) is preserved in the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum]], donated to the museum by Kaman Aircraft Corporation after an accident while in service with the RNZN.

RNAF uses the [[FN MAG|FN Mag 58]] machine gun firing [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 mm]], and it was fielded by 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SH-2G Super Seasprite Anti-Submarine Helicopter |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/sh2g-super-seasprite/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Exports===
During the late 1990s, the United States decided to offer the surplus U.S. Navy SH-2Fs as [[foreign aid]] to a number of overseas countries. Among those to be offered the type included [[Greece]], which had been offered six, and [[Turkey]], which had been offered 14, but they rejected the offer.<ref name=assistance>{{cite web |title=Greece and Turkey: U.S Assistance Programs and Other Activities |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-100/html/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-100.htm}}</ref><ref name="age">{{cite web |title=Canberra bought unwanted helicopters|date=28 April 2004 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/27/1082831569421.html}}</ref>

Egypt opted to acquire four SH-2F under this aid program, they were mainly used for spares in to support of their existing fleet of ten SH-2Gs.<ref name="age" /> In the early 2000s, Australia acquired the SH-2G model, with ten delivered by 2007,<ref name="Australian Feb 10-11 2005">{{cite news |last=Walters |first=Patrick |date=2007-02-10 |title=Seasprite headed for the junk pile |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21201454-601,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212052756/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C20867%2C21201454-601%2C00.html |archive-date=2007-02-12 |access-date=2007-02-11 |work=[[The Australian]] |publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] |pages=1–2}}</ref> 11 had been ordered in the late 1990s, but they only served from 2003 to 2008; the RAN consolidated on using the SH-60 Seahawk and was launching the MRH-90 Taipan program at the time. Poland chose to acquire the later SH-2G variant.<ref name="age" /> Peru acquired Ex-RNZAF SH-2Gs and they entered service in the late 2010s.<ref name="Peru signs2">{{cite news |last1=Tantalean |first1=Cesar Cruz |date=9 October 2014 |title=Peru signs for SH-2G Super Seasprites |url=http://www.janes.com/article/44361/peru-signs-for-sh-2g-super-seasprites |access-date=12 October 2014 |work=IHS Jane's 360}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:UH-2B of HC-1 on USS Constellation (CVA-64) 1967.jpg|thumb|UH-2B on the [[USS Constellation (CV-64)|USS ''Constellation'' (CV-64)]] in 1967]]
[[File:HH-2C HC-7.jpg|thumb|The Vietnam War-era HH-2C [[combat search and rescue]]]]
[[File:Kaman YSH-2E Seasprite approaches USS Fox (DLG-33) c1972.jpg|thumb|YSH-2E with experimental nose antenna, in the early 70s for LAMPS]]
[[File:An SH-2F Seasprite helicopter warms up on the deck of the guided missile frigate USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG-57) underway off San Diego - DPLA - 7163aa8987d7b26b6e752b40c824ae13.jpeg|thumb|SH-2F in 1986 on the deck of a frigate]]

;YHU2K-1: Four test and evaluation prototypes powered by an 875-shp General Electric T58-GE-6 turboshaft engine. Later redesignated ''YUH-2A'' in 1962.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;HU2K-1: Utility transport helicopter, powered by a 1,250-shp (932-kW) General Electric T58-GE-8B turboshaft engine. Initial production version. Later redesignated ''UH-2A'' in 1962. 88 built.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;UH-2B: Utility transport helicopter, same as UH-2A without [[Instrument Flight Rules|IFR]] instruments, although these were later added without a subsequent change to the designation. 102 built.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
;[[Kaman H-2 Tomahawk|H-2 "Tomahawk"]]: A gunship version based on UH-2A. One prototype was built and tested for the U.S. Army in 1963. The Army selected it in November 1963, but the planned order for 220 H-2s was forsaken for additional UH-1 orders.<ref>Harding, Stephen. Kaman H-2 Tomahawk and Seasprite". ''U.S. Army Aircraft Since 1947''. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1997. {{ISBN|0-7643-0190-X}}.</ref>
;NUH-2B<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forgotten Rotors - A Warbirds Resource Group Site |url=http://forgottenrotors.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/kaman_SH2_seasprite.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=forgottenrotors.warbirdsresourcegroup.org}}</ref>: One aircraft (147978) fitted with [[Beechcraft Queen Air]] wings and a [[General Electric J85]] [[turbojet]] engine in May 1968.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
;UH-2C: UH-2A and UH-2B helicopters fitted with two General Electric T58-GE-8B turboshaft engines.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/> One former UH-2A acted as a prototype and was followed by 40 conversions from UH-2A and UH-2B.
;NUH-2C: One UH-2C helicopter (147981) was modified with stub-wings and pylons for weapons trials, missiles fitted included the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] and [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] III air-to-air missiles.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;NUH-2D: Redesignation of the NUH-1C test and evaluation helicopter.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;HH-2C: Search and rescue helicopter, armed with a single [[Minigun]] in a chin-mounted turret and two waist mounted 7.62mm machine guns, six conversions.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;HH-2D: Search and rescue helicopter, without any armament or armor but fitted with T58-GE-8F engines and four-bladed tail rotor, 67 conversions from UH-2A and UH-2Bs.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;SH-2D: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, 20 conversions from earlier models.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;YSH-2E: Two test and evaluation helicopters, fitted with an advanced radar and LAMPS equipment.<ref name=Complete_Encyclopedia/>
;SEALITE: Intended as the definitive version of the Seasprite for the LAMPS program. A 'lightweight' design for use on naval destroyers and escort vessels which had helicopter deck loading limits of about 6,000&nbsp;lb (2,720&nbsp;kg). Was to utilize the dynamic system of the basic UH-2 helicopter, but with a small, lighter fuselage, new skid landing gear, one Pratt & Whitney (UACL) PT6T (T400-CP-400) turboshaft engine, and a three-blade folding rotor with a new rotor hub to keep the maximum gross weight at 7,900&nbsp;lb (3,583&nbsp;kg). Planned in three variants, ASW, CMD (Cruise Missile Defense, i.e. anti-[[Anti-ship missile|ASM]]), and General Purpose.<ref name=Flying_ReviewMay70>Flying Review International, May 1970</ref><ref name=Soviet_Navy_Review72>Soviet Naval Digest. Number 8, 1972</ref> The company designation for the SEALITE was K-820. Due to post-Vietnam cutbacks, the SH-2F was ultimately procured instead.<ref name=Flight_Aug71>''Flight'', August 1971</ref> 
;SH-2F: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, powered by two 1,350 shp (1,007&nbsp;kW) [[General Electric T58]]-GE-8F turboshaft engines. Improved version. Mostly conversions from SH-2Ds and earlier models. Bureau numbers 161641 through 161652 and 161654 through 163214. A total of 59 aircraft, entered service as SH-2Fs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trygstad |first1=Ray |title=Kaman SH-2F SeaSprite Light Airborne Multi Purpose System (LAMPS) Aircraft |url=http://www.raytrygstad.com/home/navalofficer/sh-2f.html |website=raytrygstad.com |access-date=8 December 2017}}</ref>{{verify source|date=December 2017}}
;YSH-2G: 1 SH-2G prototype converted from an SH-2F.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite New Zealand Air Force Navy |url=https://www.seaforces.org/marint/New-Zealand-Navy/SH-2G-Super-Seasprite.htm |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=www.seaforces.org}}</ref>
;[[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, powered by two 1,723 shp (1,285 kW) [[General Electric T700]]-GE-401 turboshaft engines.<ref name=":0" />

==Operators==
{{For|operators of SH-2G and its versions|Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite}}
;{{NZL}}
*[[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/squadrons/6-squadron/default.htm |title=RNZAF – 6 Squadron |publisher=Royal New Zealand Air Force |access-date=2008-08-25}}</ref>
**[[No. 6 Squadron RNZAF]]

;{{USA}}
*[[United States Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-2.htm |title= US Navy SH-2 Seasprite |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date=26 January 2013}}</ref>
<!-- See [[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]] for other operators. -->

==Aircraft on display==
{{For|SH-2G and its versions on display|Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite}}

;New Zealand
* NZ3442 – SH-2F on static display at the [[Air Force Museum of New Zealand]] in [[Wigram|Wigram, Christchurch]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaman Seasprite SH-2F |url=http://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/collections-research/conserve/current-projects/kaman-seasprite-sh-2f |website=Air Force Museum of New Zealand |access-date=4 June 2017 |archive-date=19 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219010219/https://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/collections-research/conserve/current-projects/kaman-seasprite-sh-2f/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:149021 Sikorsky SH-2F Seasprite.jpg|thumb|SH-2F Seasprite on display in museum ship at Alameda, California]]
;United States
* 149021 – SH-2F on static display at the [[USS Hornet Museum|USS ''Hornet'' Museum]] in [[Alameda, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=SH-2 Seasprite |url=http://www.uss-hornet.org/visit-hornet/aircraft/sh-2-seasprite |website=USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum |access-date=4 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624002805/https://www.uss-hornet.org/visit-hornet/aircraft/sh-2-seasprite/ |archive-date=24 June 2016}}</ref>
* 149022 – SH-2F on static display at [[Naval Air Station North Island]] in [[Coronado, California]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaman SH-2 Seapsrite Registry - A Warbirds Resource Group Site |url=https://warbirdregistry.org/heloregistry/seasprite_registry/sh-2_seaprite-149022.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=warbirdregistry.org}}</ref>
* 149026 – SH-2F on static display at [[Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field]] in [[Norfolk, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Photo of 149773 / 9773 {{!}} Kaman SH-2F Seasprite (K-888) {{!}} USA - Navy {{!}} AirHistory.net #310619 |url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/310619/149773/9773 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=AirHistory.net |language=en}}</ref>
* 149031 – HH‑2D on static display at the [[American Helicopter Museum & Education Center]] in [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]]. It was the last HH-2D in the U.S. Navy and used the callsign "Copyright 14" (or callsign "Shaka 14").<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaman K-20 / HH 2D Seasprite |url=http://americanhelicopter.museum/aircraft/kaman-k-20-hh-2d-seasprite |website=American Helicopter Museum & Education Center |access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Trygstad |first1=Ray |title=Kaman SH-2F SeaSprite Light Airborne Multi Purpose System (LAMPS) Aircraft |url=http://www.raytrygstad.com/home/navalofficer/sh-2f.html |website=RayTrygstad.com |access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref>
* 150155 – SH-2F on static display at the [[Pima Air and Space Museum]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=SEASPRITE |url=http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/kaman-sh-2f-seasprite |website=Pima Air & Space Museum (PimaAir.org) |access-date=4 June 2017 |archive-date=31 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023601/http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/kaman-sh-2f-seasprite |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 150157 – SH-2F on static display at the [[USS Midway Museum|USS ''Midway'' Museum]] in [[San Diego, California]]. It is painted in the markings of its last assignment, HSL-33.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft Data Sheet |url=http://www.midwaysaircraft.org/acft/SH2.htm |website=Midway's Aircraft |access-date=4 June 2017 |date=19 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512140633/http://www.midwaysaircraft.org/acft/SH2.htm|archive-date=12 May 2017}}</ref>
* 150175 – SH-2F on static display at the {{USS|New Jersey|BB-62|6}} in [[Camden, New Jersey]]. It is painted as bureau number 150141.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 150181 – SH-2F on static display at [[Battleship Memorial Park]] in [[Mobile, Alabama]]. It is painted in the markings of its last assignment, HSL-31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft |url=http://www.ussalabama.com/explore/aircraft |website=USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park |date=5 January 2017 |access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref>
* 151312 – SH-2F on static display at the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]] in [[Pensacola, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |title=H-2 SEASPRITE |url=http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=h-2_seasprite |website=National Naval Aviation Museum |publisher=Naval Aviation Museum Foundation |access-date=4 June 2017 |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705150737/http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=h-2_seasprite |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 151321 – SH-2F on static display at the [[Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum]] in [[McMinnville, Oregon]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Military Aircraft |url=http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/military-aircrafts |website=Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum |publisher=Evergreen Museum |access-date=4 June 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815105616/http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/military-aircrafts |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 152201 – SH-2F on static display at the Louisiana Military Museum in [[Ruston, Louisiana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - |url=https://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=aerialvisuals.ca}}</ref>
* 161905 – SH-2F on static display at the [[New England Air Museum]] in [[Windsor Locks, Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaman SH-2F 'Seasprite' |url=http://www.neam.org/ac-kaman-sh2f.php |website=New England Air Museum |access-date=4 June 2017 |archive-date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724085731/http://www.neam.org/ac-kaman-sh2f.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 162583 – SH-2F on static display at the [[Aviation Challenge]] Camp at the [[U.S. Space and Rocket Center]] in [[Huntsville, Alabama]]. It was flown by HSL-36 with the callsign "Lamplighter 342".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - |url=https://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=aerialvisuals.ca}}</ref>

==Specifications (SH-2F Seasprite)==
[[File:Kaman SH-2F Seasprite 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|3-view line drawing of the Kaman SH-2F Seasprite]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1976–77,<ref name=JAWA76-77>{{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1976–77 |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W.R. |edition=67th |year=1976 |publisher=Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=0-3540-0538-3 |pages=309–310}}</ref> Encyclopedia of world military aircraft : Volume One<ref name="Donaldlake">{{cite book |editor1-last=Donald |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Lake |editor2-first=Jon |title=Encyclopedia of world military aircraft : Volume One |date=1994 |publisher=Aerospace Publishing |location=London |isbn=1874023522 |pages=215–216 |edition=1st}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=3 (Pilot, Co-pilot/Tactical Coordinator (TACCO), Sensor Operator (SENSO))
|capacity=1 pax with litter patient (with LAMPS installed) / 4 pax and two litter patients (with Sonobuoy launcher removed)
|length ft=38
|length in=4
|length note=nose and blades folded
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft=13
|height in=7
|height note=to top of rotor head
|empty weight lb=7040
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=12500
|max takeoff weight note=normal max
*'''Maximum overload take-off weight:''' {{cvt|13300|lb}}
|fuel capacity={{cvt|396|USgal|impgal l}} internal fuel tanks; {{cvt|120|USgal|impgal l}} auxiliary external fuel tanks.
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[General Electric T58-GE-8F]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engines
|eng1 shp=1350

|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=44
|rot dia in=0
|rot area sqft=1520.53
|rot area note=4-bladed main and tail rotors<br/>
*'''Rotor blade section:''' - '''root:''' KM23014.86; '''tip:''' KM23011.47<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=143
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kts=130
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=367
|range note=with maximum fuel
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=5 hours with 2 external tanks
|ceiling ft=22500
|ceiling note=<br/>
*'''Hover ceiling IGE:''' {{cvt|18600|ft}}
*'''Hover ceiling OGE:''' {{cvt|15400|ft}}
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|climb rate ftmin=2440
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 
|bombs= 
|rockets= 
|missiles=Non-US aircraft carry a variety of [[guided missile]]s, including the [[AGM-65 Maverick]] (often used in the anti-ship role) and dedicated [[anti-ship missile]]s.
*[[Torpedo]]es: 2× [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mk 46]] or [[Mk 50]] ASW torpedoes
|hardpoints= 2× side fuselage mounting stub/pylon stations
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
*LN 66HP radar
*Improved tactical navigation and communications suites
}}

==See also==
[[File:Kaman UH-2A 149023 HC-4 Guadal 080870 edited-2.jpg|thumb|UH-2A, 1970]]
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
*[[Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite]]
|similar aircraft=
*[[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]
*[[Westland Lynx]]
*[[Kamov Ka-25]]
|lists=
*[[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Andrade, John M. ''U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909''. Midland Counties Publications, England, 1979. {{ISBN|0-904597-22-9}}.
* Boyne, Walter J. ''Air Warfare: an International Encyclopedia: A-L''. ABC-CLIO, 2002. {{ISBN|1-576073-45-9}}.
* Chant, Chris. ''Air War in the Gulf 1991''. Osprey Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|1-841762-95-4}}.
* Cordesman, Anthony H. ''Arab-Israeli Military Forces in an Era of Asymmetric Wars''. Greenwood Publishing, 2006. {{ISBN|0-275991-86-5}}.
* {{cite book |last= Donald |first= David |author2=Daniel J. March |title= Carrier Aviation Air Power Directory |year= 2001 |publisher= AIRtime Publishing |location= Norwalk, CT |isbn= 1-880588-43-9 }}
* {{cite book |last= Donald |first= David |author2=Jon Lake |title= The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft |year= 2000 |publisher= Barnes & Noble |location= New York |isbn= 0-7607-2208-0 }}
* Dunstan, Simon. ''Vietnam Choppers''. Osprey Publishing, 2003. {{ISBN|1-841767-96-4}}.
* Endres, Günter., Michael J. Gething. ''Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide''. HarperCollins, UK, 2005. {{ISBN|0-007183-32-1}}.
* Eden, Paul. "Kaman SH-2 Seasprite", ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.
* Frawley, Gerard. ''The International Directory of Military Aircraft''. Aerospace Publications, 2002. {{ISBN|1-875671-55-2}}.
* Hearn, Chester G. ''Carriers in Combat: The Air War at Sea''. Greenwood Publishing, 2005. {{ISBN|0-275985-57-1}}.
* Lehman, John F. ''Command of the Seas''. Naval Institute Press, 2001. {{ISBN|1-557505-34-9}}.
* McGowen, Stanley S. ''Helicopters: An Illustrated History Of Their Impact''. ABC-CLIO, 2005. {{ISBN|1-851094-68-7}}.
* Pattillo, Donald M. ''Pushing the Envelope: The American Aircraft Industry''. University of Michigan Press, 2001. {{ISBN|0-472086-71-5}}.
* Soward, Stuart E. ''Hands to Flying Stations, a Recollective History of Canadian Naval Aviation, Volume II.'' Victoria, British Columbia: Neptune Developments, 1995. {{ISBN|0-9697229-1-5}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kaman H-2 Seasprite}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060311030748/http://www.kamanaero.com/helicopters/seasprite.html Kaman Aerospace Seasprite page (manufacturer)]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-2.htm SH-2 Seasprite on Globalsecurity.org]
*[http://www.raytrygstad.com/home/navalofficer/sh-2f.html SH-2F Seasprite on Naval Officer Ray Trygstad's site]
*[http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/seasprite.html Kaman SH-2 Seasprite on Kiwi Aircraft Images site]
*[http://seaspritecentral.50megs.com/Index.htm Seasprite Central]

{{Kaman aircraft}}
{{USN helicopters}}
{{US helicopters}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaman SH-2 Seasprite}}
[[Category:Kaman aircraft|H-2]]
[[Category:United States military helicopters]]
[[Category:1970s United States anti-submarine aircraft|H-2 Seasprite]]
[[Category:1960s United States military utility aircraft|H-2 Seasprite]]
[[Category:1960s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959]]
[[Category:Anti-submarine helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]