Kaman New Zealand SH-2G(I) Achieves First Flight

16 April 2014

The first New Zealand government NZ SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter began production flight testing at Kaman's Bloomfield, Connecticut facility. (photo: Business Wire)

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kaman Aerospace announced today that the first New Zealand government NZ SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter began production flight testing at Kaman’s Bloomfield, Connecticut facility. After production flight tests, this aircraft will be used for maintenance and aircrew training. The program is on track with deliveries of all ten aircraft scheduled to be complete in mid-2015. 

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

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

(Kaman)