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SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter

Our Defence Force has eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters, operated by No. 6 Squadron. They are flown by Royal New Zealand Navy aircrew and maintained by Royal New Zealand Air Force maintainers.

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The Seasprite helicopter is operated by a three-person crew: a pilot, an observer who specialises in warfare and mission command, and a helicopter loadmaster who directs utility operations.

Delivered in 2015 to replace the previous SH-2G(NZ) model, these helicopters have an important role in enhancing the capabilities of our naval fleet and fulfil a range of roles.

They can embark in HMNZ Ships Te Kaha, Te Mana, Aotearoa, Canterbury, Wellington and Otago.

The SH-2G(I) can be equipped with Penguin anti-ship missiles, Mk 46 torpedoes and the Mag 58 General Purpose Machine Gun. 

The SH-2G(I) is primarily used for:

  • Anti-surface warfare
  • Underwater warfare
  • Maritime patrols and surveillance

The SH-2G(I) is also used for:

  • Search and rescue
  • Utility operations (winching and load lifting)
  • Domestic tasks for Government agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Ministry of Primary Industries
  • Training of pilots, observers and helicopter loadmasters
  • Training of ship’s Flight Deck Teams
A Seasprite helicopter lifts a water tank from a field in Tokelau A Seasprite helicopter hovering over a flight deck on a ship SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter and aircrew showing it's capability in an air display at Warbirds over Wanaka 2018

Specifications

Aircraft

SH-2G(I) Seasprite

Manufacturer

Kaman Aerosystems

Power plant

Two General Electric T700 turbines (1600 hp each)

Overall length

16m (52ft, 9in) 

Fuselage length

12.3m (40ft, 6in) 

Rotor diameter

13.5m (44ft, 4in) 

Max gross take-off weight

6,441kg (14,200lb)

Max air speed

Approx 130 Knots Corrected Air Speed (KCAS)

Max range

Approx 275nm

Max endurance

Approx 2hrs 45mins

Max load on the cargo hook

4,000lb

Max rescue hoist load

600lb

Standard crew

One pilot, one observer and one helicopter loadmaster