Seasprite helicopter
undergoing trials above HMNZS OTAGO (photo : rnzaf.proboards)
The Navy has
successfully conducted trials of flying an SH-2G Seasprite helicopter from the
deck of one of its Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS OTAGO, marking a significant
milestone in achieving the ship's full operational potential.
The trials
have been conducted over the past month during which the Seasprite conducted
161 landings and takeoffs from OTAGO’s flight deck. The landings and takeoffs were done by day
and by night in varying wind and sea conditions in the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay
of Plenty sea areas.
"Operating
helicopters from ships underway at sea is one of the most challenging
activities any Navy undertakes," says Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Tony
Parr. "We have been flying helicopters from the frigates for many years,
but now we are learning how to operate these aircraft from a different ship
with different characteristics."
The trials
proved that the Seasprite can conduct an airborne surveillance task from the
OPV of up to 2.5 hours duration, which should enable 4500 square nautical miles
to be covered in a single sortie by day or night.
"The trials have proven the helicopter
can operate off the ship across a wide range of sea and wind conditions. Although it will be some time before the full
potential is released the Navy can now begin helicopter operations during which
time we will continue to learn and develop our capability."
The two
Offshore Patrol Vessels—OTAGO and WELLINGTON— are large, complex vessels that
operate from the freezing cold of the Southern Ocean to the tropical heat of
the Pacific Islands, giving New Zealand a broad patrol and surveillance
capability.
"The
ability to land a helicopter on a ship underway at sea by day and night in
different wind and sea conditions requires a rigorous and demanding test
programme to determine what the limits of operation might be," said
Admiral Parr. "The team in OTAGO, which included a number of RNZAF
Seasprite technicians, were often operating in challenging conditions. Nevertheless the trials were completed in a
thoroughly professional, safe and timely manner.
"There
will still be a considerable period of learning as we gain experience operating
the aircraft on actual deployments."
(NZ Navy)
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