Kaman Announces Development of Next Generation K-MAX® Unmanned Aircraft System
Kaman Aerospace Group, a division of Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN), announced today that it is developing the next generation K-MAX unmanned aircraft system that will allow operators to have the capability to fly either manned or unmanned missions.
Kaman Aerospace Group, a division of Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN),
announced today that it is developing the next generation K-MAX®
unmanned aircraft system that will allow operators to have the
capability to fly either manned or unmanned missions. Kaman expects to
offer unmanned system kits for new production and existing aircraft in
2020.
Concurrently, Kaman is exploring opportunities to support the U.S.
Marine Corps in developing co-use versions of autonomous aerial
technologies that will have both commercial and military applications.
“Whether the need is night-time aerial firefighting, resupplying troops
in austere environments or delivering critical supplies in support of
humanitarian missions, the next generation of the unmanned K-MAX®
will continue to demonstrate its unmatched readiness and efficiency no
matter the requirement,” stated Roger Wassmuth, Senior Director Business
Development, Air Vehicles & MRO Division.
The unmanned K-MAX® has a proven record providing
combat support while reducing the risks faced by our service men and
women. In the 33 months the unmanned K-MAX® supported
the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan on combat resupply and logistical
support missions, they moved over 1.5 million pounds of cargo to remote
outposts. Typically operating at night, these unmanned missions replaced
the equivalent of 900 convoy vehicles and eliminated 46,000 hours of
exposure time to IED’s, direct fire and other threats to our troops on
dangerous roads.
“We are excited to take the next step in advancing co-use unmanned
capabilities for commercial operators while at the same time building on
our history in supporting the U.S. Military,” stated Darlene Smith, VP &
GM, Air Vehicles & MRO Division.
Development of the K-MAX® was led by Kaman founder and
former CEO, aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and received Federal
Aviation Administration certification in 1994. The single-engine,
single-seat K-MAX® is a rugged low-maintenance
aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized
for external load operations and designed specifically for vertical
reference flight. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).
About Kaman Aerospace Group
Kaman Aerospace Group is a division of Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN).
Headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Kaman Corporation conducts
business in the aerospace and distribution markets. The aerospace
division produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft
bearings and components; super precision, miniature ball bearings;
complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military
and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safe and arm
solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied
militaries; subcontract helicopter work; production of the K-MAX
medium-to-heavy lift helicopter and support for the company's SH-2G
Super Seasprite maritime aircraft. More information is available at www.kaman.com.
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