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.
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
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 |