Originally designed in 1956 as a general purpose shipboard
utility helicopter, the Seasprite was a common sight on both
carrier flight decks and landing spots on other warships
throughout the 1960's. As a rescue platform, the Seasprite
was always the first aloft and the last to land during
flight operations. The Seasprite was so successful, that
during the Vietnam War several were armored and given gun
armament to perform hazardous combat rescues of downed
airmen over enemy territory.
In 1970, the Navy found a new mission for its light
helicopters by developing an over-the-horizon search
and strike ability for destroyers. Designated SH-2,
the Seasprite hefted a radar and sonobuoys, as well
as a pair of Mark 46 torpedoes. The SH-2F variant
helped perfect the over-the-horizon doctrine until the
SH-60 Seahawk reached the Fleet in the 1980's.
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