Australian Defence Organisation, A Super Seasprite helicopter will land onboard the ANZAC class frigate HMAS WARRAMUNGA while alongside at Fleet Base East in Woolloomooloo on Wednesday, 5 November.
The helicopter will be embarked to commence First-of-Class trials onboard the frigate.
The trials will be used to evaluate onboard procedures for the new Super Seasprite, including landing, lash-down and stowage aboard the ANZAC class warships. It will be another significant milestone in the $1.016 billion project.
The first of the 11 Super Seasprite helicopters was provisionally accepted by Defence at a ceremony in Nowra on 18 October for testing, evaluation and training. The helicopter is expected to depart for Nowra on Friday, 7 November.
Once accepted into service and fully equipped, the Super Seasprite will provide the primary anti-surface weapon system for Australia's fleet of eight ANZAC class frigates, with up to six aircraft deployed at sea at any one time.
The helicopters will be equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors and weapons, including the capability to fire the 'Penguin' anti-ship missile and to deliver the Mk 46 anti-submarine warfare torpedo, making it arguably the most advanced maritime helicopter in the world.
