The story
Kaman's Seasprite first flew on 2 July 1959 as a single-engine utility helicopter for the US Navy. One engine held it back, so from 1968 the Navy had the fleet converted to two, and in 1970 it became the interim LAMPS helicopter: a radar and sonobuoy platform flying from the decks of small warships. The SH-2G Super Seasprite added General Electric T700 engines. The US Navy retired its last ones in 2001. The Royal New Zealand Navy still flies SH-2Gs from its ships and in October 2026 signed for five MH-60R Seahawks to replace them, with deliveries from 2030. Egypt and Peru also bought SH-2Gs.
New Zealand's current Seasprites were built for the Royal Australian Navy, which flew its SH-2G(A)s only from 2003 to 2008 before giving up on them. New Zealand bought the airframes and took them to sea.
Quick answers
How do you identify a SH-2 Seasprite?
A compact naval helicopter with a four-blade main rotor, two engine pods mounted high on either side of the rotor mast, main wheels well forward under the cockpit and a small tailwheel. New Zealand's are grey with NAVY on the fuselage.
What does a SH-2 Seasprite sound like?
A brisk, busy rotor beat with a twin-turbine whine, lighter than a Seahawk's.
How fast is the SH-2 Seasprite?
Top speed is 143 kts (SH-2F).
How many people does the SH-2 Seasprite carry?
Typical configuration: Pilot, co-pilot/tactical officer and sensor operator.
How far can the SH-2 Seasprite fly?
Range is about 367 nmi (SH-2F).
How big is the SH-2 Seasprite?
It is 44 ft 0 in (rotor, SH-2F) across the rotor.
When did the SH-2 Seasprite first fly?
Its first flight was in 1959.
How many SH-2 Seasprites have been built?
184 for the US Navy built.
How rare is a SH-2 Seasprite in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first SH-2 Seasprite catch is worth 250 points.
