Kaman expects the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to conditionally accept the first batch of SH-2G(A) Super Seasprites by the end of this month, ending three years of software-related delays.
Full acceptance of the aircraft, however, is still not expected until the end of 2004 as Kaman continues to test the new Northrop Grumman-developed software. Delays in developing the integrated tactical avionics system have held back deliveries since 2000.
Kaman president Joseph Lubenstein says Australia's Department of Defence has tentatively scheduled an initial acceptance ceremony for late October, which allows the RAN to begin limited operations.
The first of the 11 aircraft on order was remanufactured by Australia's Safe Air two years ago and 10 are in Australia awaiting delivery. These aircraft will gradually be handed over to the navy over the next nine months.
The 11th aircraft, held back in the USA for software proving tests, will be delivered by the end of next year.
Kaman says that under the intial acceptance conditions the Navy will be able to land the Seasprites on ships under instrument flight rules and execute search and rescue missions, sufficient to complete pilot training by the time the helicopters are ready for full acceptance. Kaman is also preparing to open its new Australian service centre as soon as the aircraft are accepted.
New Zealand has accepted all its Super Seasprites, but these have the old SH-2F-based cockpit.
Source: Flight International
