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Royal New Zealand Air Force - Helicopter Kaman SH-2F Seasprite / SH-2G Super Seasprite |
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| 11/23 |
| Aircraft: |
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Serials: SH-2F Seasprite: NZ0231G / NZ0232G / NZ0233G / NZ0234G / NZ0235G / NZ3441 / NZ3442 / NZ3443 / NZ3444 SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite NZ3601 / NZ3602 / NZ3603 / NZ3604 / NZ3605 SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite NZ3611 / NZ3612 / NZ3613 / NZ3614 / NZ3615 / NZ3616 / NZ3617 / NZ3618 / NZ3619 / NZ3620 Operator: No.6 Squadron RNZAF Homebase: RNZAF Base Auckland |
| Specifications (SH-2G): |
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Crew: 3 (pilot, observer and helicopter loadmaster) Length: 52 ft 9 in (15.9 m) Rotor diameter: 45 ft 0 in (13.4 m) Height: 15 ft 0 in (4.5 m) Disc area: 44 ft 4 in (13.5 m) Empty weight: 9,200 lb (4,170 kg) Useful load: 4,390 lb (1,991 kg) Max. takeoff weight: 13,500 lb (6,120 kg) Powerplant: 2 x T700-GE-401/401C turboshaft, 1,723 shp (1,285 kW) each Never exceed speed: 150 knots (278 km/h, 173 mph) Maximum speed: 138 knots (256 km/h, 159 mph) Cruise speed: 120 knots (222 km/h, 138 mph) Range: 540 nmi (1,000 km, 869 mi) Service ceiling: 18,000 ft (3,000 m) Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s) Armament: Guns: RNZN aircraft can be equipped with a MAG58 machine gun in the right hand door, operated by the helicopter loadmaster. Hardpoints: 2 x bomb shackles behind main landing gear. Usually used for external fuel tanks, can carry depth charges. 2 x hardpoints on pylons each side (not always fitted), used for weapons only. Missiles: SH-2G's can carry a variety of guided missiles, including the AGM-65 Maverick (often used in the anti-ship role) and AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles. Torpedoes: 2 x Mk.46 or Mk.50 ASW torpedoes |
| Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite: |
|
The Kaman SH-2F Seasprite
is a ship-based helicopter originally developed and produced by
American manufacturer Kaman Aircraft Corporation. It has been
typically used as a compact and fast-moving rotorcraft for utility
and anti-submarine warfare missions. New Zealand purchased a total of 10 SH-2F Seasprites. - - - - - The Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is an American ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships, and patrol craft that may be armed with anti-ship missiles. It was originally developed for the United States Navy in 1980s as a reengined version of the older Kaman SH-2 Seasprite. The SH-2G's primary missions include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, anti-ship missile defense, and anti-ship surveillance and targeting. Secondary missions may include medical evacuation, search and rescue, personnel and cargo transfer, as well as small boat interdiction, amphibious assault air support, gun fire spotting, mine detection and battle damage assessment. Design and development: In 1985, the SH-2G program was started. The US Navy wanted better anti-submarine capabilities and felt upgrading current helicopters would be a more cost-effective approach; moreover legacy Knox-class and early "short-hull" Perry-class frigates operating the SH-2F could not operate the larger SH-60B Seahawk. The prototype YSH-2G first flew on 2 April 1985. The prototype was a modified SH-2F fitted with two more powerful General Electric T700-GE-401/401C engines. The G-model has a reinforced upper fuselage to support the new, heavier engines. The SH-2G also has multifunctional displays and new avionic systems. The Navy began receiving Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) hardware with the Kaman Magic Lantern laser mine detection system in December 1996. The US Navy's final production order of the SH-2F was in Fiscal Year 1986 with the last six orders switched to the SH-2G variant. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) replaced its Westland Wasps with four interim SH-2F Seasprites (ex-US Navy), to operate with Anzac-class frigates until the fleet of five new SH-2G Super Seasprites were delivered. The Navy air element was transferred to No. 6 Squadron RNZAF at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai in October 2005. RNZN Seasprites have seen service in East Timor. New Zealand purchased five SH-2Gs at the same time as Australia. However, New Zealand opted for new-build airframes that were outfitted with different avionics. The SH-2G purchase was completed at NZ$12 million under the $338 million budgeted (excluding GST). The first RNZN SH-2G(NZ) was delivered in mid-2001, and the last was delivered February 2003. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) operates the type from its two Anzac-class frigates, two Protector-class offshore patrol vessels, and the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury. They were initially operated by the Naval Support Flight of No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, but now from No. 6 Squadron RNZAF. In May 2012, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced that Cabinet had given Defence officials approval to negotiate with Kaman Corporation for the 11 helicopters and flight simulator from the canceled Australian SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite project. It is thought the 11 helicopters, worth NZ$1.4 billion in 2008, would cost New Zealand between NZ$130 million to NZ$230 million. A decision to purchase ten of the helicopters for $NZ242 million was announced on 19 April 2013. Eight of the aircraft will enter service with the RNZAF to replace the existing five Seasprites, and the remaining two will be used as a source of spare parts. The New Zealand Ministry of Defence accepted the first of the helicopters in the United States on 1 December 2014, and two more were delivered to Auckland in early 2015. Deliveries were completed by the end of 2015. All the aircraft were in service by 2016. The NZDF's five SH-2G(NZ) Seasprites were officially retired on 14 April 2016, and conducted their last flight on 21 April after serving since August 2001. They were replaced with eight re-manufactured SH-2G(I) models, allowing the Navy to embark up to three helicopters from ships at once instead of two. The "I" model also replaces the AGM-65 Maverick with the AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile. New Zealand's five SH-2G(NZ) models were sold to the Peruvian Navy in October 2014 and replaced by the eight SH-2G(I) models. On April 24, 2023, the New Zealand MOD announced that they are seeking replacements for the Seasprite. Super Seasprite Variants: SH-2G Super Seasprite: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter SH-2G(A): Export version for Australia, upgraded former US Navy SH-2F SH-2G(NZ): Export version for New Zealand. Sold to Peru SH-2G(I): Redesignated SH-2G(A) sold to New Zealand source: wikipedia |
| No. 6 Squadron RNZAF |
|
No. 6
Squadron RNZAF is a maritime squadron of the Royal New Zealand
Air Force. It has a history going back to World War II, when it
operated flying boats, has been disbanded and re-formed several
times through changes in the country's military structure. The
squadron motto is “Vigilance with Patience”. No. 6 Squadron was re-formed in 2005 to take over No.3 Squadron's role in operating the Royal New Zealand Navy's air element. No. 6 Squadron operates New Zealand's ten SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters. The squadron was re-established on 31 October 2005 by separating the Naval Support Flight from No. 3 Squadron RNZAF. The squadron is based at RNZAF Base Auckland. No. 6 Squadron is manned by Royal New Zealand Navy observers, pilots and helicopter loadmasters. Navy aircrew are trained by the RNZAF. The aircraft are maintained by RNZAF engineers, technicians and suppliers. RNZAF aircrew can also sometimes be posted to the squadron if required. The Royal New Zealand Navy has acquired ten SH-2G(I) Seasprites that replaced the existing SH-2G(NZ) aircraft in April 2016. Eight of the helicopters have entered active service representing a marked increase in capability while the other two are kept as spares. source: wikipedia - - - - - No. 6 Squadron is one of the force elements under the command of the Air Component Commander HQ JFNZ (ACC) and remains under full command of the Chief of the Air Force. Operational command (OPCOM) when ships' flights are required to embark, is assigned by ACC to the Maritime Component Commander (MCC), who will in turn assign operational control (OPCON) to the ship's CO. The squadron is located at RNZAF Base Auckland. The squadron operates a fleet of eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters. To meet NZDF Naval Helicopter Force requirements, the Squadron provides: - operational tasks and training for the RNZN - surface warfare missions and surveillance operations - underwater warfare - helicopter delivery services/logistics - day and night search and rescue - medical evacuation - helicopter operational conversion (Seasprite) training for pilots, observers and helicopter loadmasters - assistance to other government agencies. The helicopters are able to be embarked on the two ANZAC Class Frigates, HMNZS TE MANA and TE KAHA, as well as the offshore patrol vessels HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON, and the multi-role ship HMNZS CANTERBURY with aircrew from the RNZN and maintainers from the RNZAF. source: RNZAF  |
| images |
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Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3611  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3612  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3612  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3613  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3614  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3614  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3614  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3614  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3614 SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3616  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3616  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3616  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3617  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3619  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3619  SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite - NZ3619 Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3601  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3602  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3604  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3605  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3605  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3605  SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite - NZ3605 |
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