March

16--The first SH-2D Lamps (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) helicopter test flight took place at Kaman's Bloomfield, Connecticut Facility. This flight followed testing aboard Sims to determine deck strength for helicopter operations. It was announced later in the month that 115 H-2 helicopters would be committed to the Lamps program. The Lamps system was configured to extend range of ASW and ASMD on destroyers, frigates, and destroyer escorts as an airborne extension of the ships own detection system.

29--The first active AIM-9G missile was launched from an NUH-2H helicopter by the Weapons System Test Division of NATC