On 16 March 1971, the first SH-2D LAMPS prototype conducted its first flight. Beginning in 1973, production deliveries of the latest variant of the rotorcraft, designated as the "SH-2F", commenced. Amongst the features of the "SH-2F" model was the full suite of LAMPS I equipment, along with various other improvements, such as upgraded engines, an extended life main rotor, and an elevated take-off weight. During 1981, the Navy placed an order for 60 production SH-2Fs. From 1987 onwards, a total of 16 SH-2Fs were upgraded with a chin-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, chaff/flare launchers, dual rear-mounted infrared countermeasures, and missile/mine detecting equipment.