K-Max Helicopter Production Resumes

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Kaman Corp. has revived production of its K-Max heavy-lift utility helicopters after a 10-year suspension, with first deliveries of an initial 10 aircraft expected in early 2017.
The decision to reopen the production line was driven by strong market demand and secured orders from launch customers including Rotex Helicopter AG and Helicopter Express.
The K-Max, certified in 1994 and designed for heavy lifting up to 6,000 pounds with its unique counter-rotating twin rotor system, has also been utilized in unmanned configurations by the U.S. Marine Corps and is being developed for firefighting and humanitarian missions.

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Kaman Corp., which suspended production of its K-Max heavy-lift utility helicopters more than 10 years ago, has revived the production line, the company said last week. First deliveries are expected in early 2017, with an initial production run of 10 aircraft. Manufacturing will take place at Kaman’s facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, and Bloomfield, Connecticut. Launch customers include Rotex Helicopter AG, in Switzerland, and Helicopter Express, in Georgia. The single-engine, single-seat aircraft was certified in 1994, and features a counter-rotating twin rotor system. It was designed for lifting heavy loads, and can carry up to 6,000 pounds. About 35 copies were delivered.

“This is great news for Kaman and for operators who need the K-Max to perform their missions effectively,” said Neal Keating, Kaman’s CEO. “Our team has done a great job assessing the market and working with customers to secure enough orders to support the business case for reopening the line.” The U.S. Marine Corps operates two unmanned K-Max aircraft, which supported U.S. Marine Corps operations in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2014. Additional unmanned firefighting and humanitarian missions for K-Max are also being developed and tested, the company said.