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 resumed production of its K-Max heavy-lift utility helicopters after a decade-long suspension, with first deliveries of an initial run of 10 aircraft expected in early 2017.
The K-Max is a single-engine, single-seat aircraft certified in 1994, featuring a counter-rotating twin rotor system specifically designed for lifting heavy loads up to 6,000 pounds.
The decision to restart production was based on assessing market demand and securing enough customer orders, with launch customers including Rotex Helicopter AG and Helicopter Express.
Kaman is also developing and testing additional unmanned applications for the K-Max, such as firefighting and humanitarian missions, building on its previous use by the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan.

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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.