Kaman New Zealand SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter achieves first flight

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., 16 April 2014. Kaman Aerospace, on track to deliver 10 of its Super Seasprite helicopter to the New Zealand government, began production flight testing of the NZ SH-2G(I) aircraft at Kaman’s Bloomfield, Conn., facility. After production flight tests, Kaman anticipates delivering all 10 Super Seasprite aircraft, which will be used for maintenance and aircrew training, by mid-2015.

“This milestone is significant for the program and our continued commitment to the New Zealand Maritime Helicopter Capability project,” says Drake Klotzman, Kaman’s director, AVMRO Programs.

“This flight of a NZ SH-2G(I) with a ‘Kiwi’ roundel represents a major milestone,” New Zealand Defence Force Project Manager Peter Lowen adds. “The effort invested by the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force in cooperation with Kaman is now paying off.”