Australia Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite

a sh-2g(a) in 2005

in 1990s, royal australian navy (ran) decided needed intermediate helicopter operate anzac class frigates , planned offshore patrol vessel (opv); proposed cooperative project malaysia, however, due size, opv operate small helicopter. in 1997, australian government signed a$667 million contract kaman purchase 11 upgraded super seasprites. 2005, 40 deficiencies in helicopter had been identified, including inability operate in bad weather , low-light conditions, , failure meet australian airworthiness standards. helicopters restricted transport duties during weather before being grounded in may 2006. 2007, 10 super seasprites had been delivered 805 squadron.

in february 2007, australian announced seasprite project scrapped . @ point, project 6 years on schedule , cost had grown a$1.1 billion, additional a$45 million forecast required further upgrades. if approved squadron still not reach operational status until 2010. sale or scrapping of fleet under consideration, possible replacements included nhindustries nh90 or further orders of s-70 seahawks. on 25 may 2007, age reported government continue support seasprite; defence minister brendan nelson commented progress on project being closely monitored.

following election of new labor government, australian reported on 31 january 2008 sh-2g(a) program canceled due cost overruns; additionally still not operational despite original contract being signed in 1997. same article noted sikorsky had submitted offer of several off shelf helicopters replace australia s sh-2g(a)s. on 5 march 2008, project canceled government; kaman noted project s end on mutually agreed terms . opposition parties supported decision cancel. remaining aircraft returned kaman. following cancellation of super seasprite, s-70 seahawks 816 squadron assigned anzac class frigates.