The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite began as a naval utility helicopter but ended up evolving into a sophisticated anti-submarine and anti-ship surveillance and targeting platform for the US Navy's warships. Key to its progression was the development of the Kaman LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) integrated avionics suite which includes a surveillance radar, tactical navigation system, magnetic anomaly detector and sonobuoy equipment. The Seasprite operated mostly from Knox-class frigates, a keystone of the US Navy's anti-submarine forces during the latter part of the Cold War but have since been slowly replaced by the SH-60. Foreign operators of the Seasprite include Egypt, Australia, New Zealand and Poland, the last Seasprites were finally retired from the US naval reserve in the year 2001.

The first prototype of the YHU2K-1 first flew on 2 July 1959 and entered service initially as the UH-2A and the UH-2B, both of which featured a single turboshaft engine. A second was added in the UH-2C which also led to the HH-2C which was a dedicated search-and-rescue platform with a minigun chin turret and extensive armor protections due to its use in the Vietnam War. Development of the LAMPS led to the definitive SH-2F which became the standard version until it was replaced by the SH-2G Super Seasprite (which also included SH-2F conversions) characterized by increased endurance and weight.