Aerospace |
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Kaman Gets
$785 Million Super Seasprite Orders
The contract with the Australian Ministry of Defence for 11
multi-mission SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopters and support
for the Royal Australian Navy is valued at $600 million,
including technical, spares and training The New Zealand Ministry of Defence ordered four multi-mission SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters for the Royal New Zealand Navy to replace the RNZN's obsolete Wasp helicopters. The new Super Seasprites are scheduled to begin entering service in the year 2000, in the contract valued at $185 million, including training, spares and missiles. The Australian Super Seasprites will operate from the Royal Australian Navy's eight ANZAC Class frigates. The primary role of the helicopter is to increase a ship's effectiveness by significantly expanding surveillance capability, providing over-the-horizon warning and targeting of potential threats, and contributing to the ship's combat capabilities. The helicopters will be armed with the Penguin Mk 2 Mod 7 air-to-surface missile. In addition, the aircraft will be capable of conducting antisubmarine operations, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and ship replenishment. The Australian SH-2G(A) helicopters will be equipped with an Integrated Avionics System (ITAS) "glass cockpit" which will enable the two-man crew to fly the aircraft and manage its multi-mission equipment suite. The ITAS, which is being developed by Litton Guidance & Control Systems, makes the SH-2G the most sophisticated, most integrated rotary-wing platform flying. The four Super Seasprites for New Zealand will operate aboard New Zealand's ANZAC and Leander class frigates. The advanced SH-2Gs will have both surveillance and combat roles, with the capability to deploy missiles, torpedoes and depth charges. They also will be able to transport stores and personnel from ship to shore, carry out search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and assist with boarding operations. The SH-2G is powered by two GE T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines each generating 1,723 shaft horsepower (1,258 kW), which provides ample power margin for single-engine operation. The T700-powered Super Seasprite has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any helicopter in its class.
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support services. Kaman
is scheduled to begin deliveries of the helicopters to Australia
in early 2001, with all deliveries to be completed by mid-2002.
