SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter
The Defence Force has 8 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 multiplying the capabilities of our naval fleet and fulfil a range of roles.
They can embark on Royal New Zealand Navy Ships HMNZS TE KAHA, TE MANA, CANTERBURY, WELLINGTON and OTAGO.
Seasprites are equipped with Penguin anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and the Mag 58 General Purpose Machine Gun.
The SH-2G(I) is mainly used for:
- Anti-surface warfare
- Underwater warfare
- Maritime patrols and surveillance
- Search and rescue
- Force protection
- Utility operations (winching and load lifting)
- Training of pilots, observers and helicopter loadmasters
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) |
| Height | 4.5m (15ft) |
| 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 |