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K-1200 K-MAX
K-Max Swiss
A HELOG Heliswiss Kaman K-Max
Role Medium lift helicopter
Manufacturer Kaman Aircraft
First flight 23 December 1991
Status Active
Produced 1991-2003
Number built 38+

The Kaman K-MAX (Company designation K-1200) is an American helicopter with intermeshing rotors (synchropter) built by Kaman Aircraft. It is optimized for external load operations, and is able to lift a payload of over 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg), which is more than the helicopter's empty weight. A remote controlled unmanned aerial vehicle version is being developed and is being evaluated in extended practical service in the war in Afghanistan.

Development[]

File:N265ka krj.JPG

Kaman K-1200 "K-MAX" operated by Timberline Helicopters

In 1947 Anton Flettner, a former German teacher and inventor, was brought to the United States as part of Operation Paperclip.[1] He was the developer of the former German helicopter Flettner Fl 282 "Kolibri" (Hummingbird), which had the principle of counter-rotating side-by-side intermeshing (combing) rotors, as the means to solve the problem of torque compensation, normally countered in single rotor helicopters by a tail rotor or vented blower exhaust. Anton Flettner stayed in the United States and became the chief designer of the Kaman company.[2] He started to design new helicopters, using the Flettner double rotor.

The K-MAX series are the latest in a long line of Kaman synchropters, the most famous of which is the HH-43 Huskie. The first turbine-powered helicopter was also a Kaman synchropter.[3]

The K-1200 K-MAX "aerial truck" is the world's first helicopter specifically designed, tested, and certified for repetitive external lift operations and vertical reference flight (Kaman received IFR Certification in 1999), an important feature for external load work. Other rotorcraft used for these tasks are adapted from general-purpose helicopters, or those intended to primarily carry passengers or internal cargo. The aircraft's narrow, wedge-shaped profile and bulging side windows gives the pilot a good view of the load looking out either side of the aircraft.

The transmission has a reduction ratio of 24 in three stages, and is designed for infinite life.[4] The rotor blades are built with a wooden spar and fiberglass trailing edge sections. Wood was chosen for its damage tolerance, fatigue resistance and to take advantage of field experience and qualification data amassed from a similar spar on the HH-43 helicopter, built for the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s and 1960s.[5]

The K-MAX relies on the two primary advantages of synchropters over conventional helicopters. The first of these is the increased efficiency compared to conventional rotor-lift technology; the other is the synchropter's natural tendency to hover. This increases stability, especially for precision work in placing suspended loads. At the same time, the synchropter is more responsive to pilot control inputs, making it possible to easily swing a load, to scatter seed, chemicals, or water over a larger area.

Nuvola apps kview External media
Images
Searchtool RC version of K-MAX at Ft. Eustis
Searchtool Autonomous K-MAX at Yuma[dead link]
Video
Nuvola apps kaboodle Unmanned K-MAX at Yuma
Nuvola apps kaboodle K-MAX with wrecking ball

A K-MAX has been used for demolition work by having a wrecking ball as a slung load.[6]

Thirty-eight K-1200 K-MAX helicopters have been built. As of February 2012, 13 of these were not airworthy or have been written off in accidents.[7] The production line was shut down in 2003, but may restart if the U.S. Marine Corps orders more autonomous K-MAXs.[8]

Unmanned remote control version[]

An unmanned remote-control version, the K-MAX Unmanned Multi-Mission Helicopter, was developed for hazardous missions. It can be used in combat to deliver supplies to the battlefield, as well as civilian situations involving chemical, biological, or radiological hazards. A prototype of this was shown in 2008 for potential military heavy-lift resupply use,[9] and again in 2010.[10]

In December 2010 the Naval Air Systems Command awarded a $46 million contract to Kaman for two aircraft,[11] and in 2011 they completed a five-day Quick Reaction Assessment.[12]

In December 2011 an unmanned K-Max was reported to be at work in Afghanistan.[13] On December 17, 2011, the United States Marine Corps conducted the first unmanned aerial system cargo delivery in a combat zone using an unmanned version of the Kaman K-MAX. The unmanned KMAX moved about 3,500 pounds of food and supplies to troops at Combat Outpost Payne.[14] As of February 2013, the K-MAX had delivered 2 million pounds of cargo in 600 unmanned missions over more than 700 flight hours.[15]

USMC-111215-M-JU941-001

Unmanned K-MAX

A third unmanned K-MAX, based in the US, was tested in 2012 to deliver cargo to a small homing beacon with three-meter precision.[16]

On July 31, 2012, Lockheed announced a second service extension for the K-MAX in Afghanistan for the Marines. This extended operations to the end of March 2013, with the option to extend through to the end of September 2013.[17] On March 18, 2013, the Marine Corps extended its use of the unmanned K-MAX helicopters indefinitely. The Corps does not currently have plans to buy more, but the two aircraft in use will remain "until otherwise directed". At the time of this announcement, they had flown over 1,000 missions and hauled over 3 million pounds of supplies. Assessments for their use after deployment are being studied. While proving useful, their "niche" in future Marine Corps aviation is not yet clear.[18]

The unmanned K-MAX has won awards from Popular Science and Aviation Week & Space Technology,[19] and was nominated for the 2012 Collier Trophy.[20]

On June 5, 2013, one of the unmanned K-MAX helicopters crashed in Afghanistan while resupplying Marines No injuries occurred and the crash is under investigation. Pilot error has been ruled out, as the aircraft was flying autonomously to a predetermined point. The crash happened during the final stages of cargo delivery.[21] Operational flights of the remaining unmanned K-MAX were suspended following the crash. On August 14, 2013, the Navy said the K-MAX could resume flying by the next week, with the final decision resting with operational commanders. The week before, the K-MAX flew 16 hours. No decision has been made on repairing the crashed model, while swing load is seen as the prime cause of the crash. The Marine Corps is considering turning the K-Max into a program of record, with possible uses including ship-to-shore deliveries.[22] As of September 2013, the crashed K-MAX has not been shipped back to the U.S. for repair. The investigation has so far determined that the crash was not caused by mechanical problems.[23]

At the 2013 Paris Air Show, Kaman promoted the unmanned K-MAX to foreign buyers. Several countries have reportedly expressed interest in the system.[24]

The K-MAX supporting Marines in Afghanistan will remain in use there until at least August 2014. The Marine Corps is looking into acquiring the unmanned K-MAX as a program of record, and the U.S. Army is also looking into it to determine cost-effectiveness. If it is accepted into service, the adapted commercial rotorcraft would re-enter production and Kaman would reopen the facility to build it. Lockheed and Kaman estimate re-establishing the line would take nine months, with the first aircraft delivered three months later. In theater, the unmanned K-MAX performed most missions at night and successfully lifted loads of up to 4,500 lb (2,000 kg). Hook-ups of equipment are currently performed in concert with individuals on the ground, but Lockheed is looking into performing this action automatically. It is building a device that sits on top of the package that the helicopter can hook up to by itself, and this feature was demonstrated in 2013.[25] Other features are being examined, including the ability to be automatically rerouted in flight, and to fly in formation with other aircraft.[26]

The House Armed Services Committee has shown its support for the unmanned K-MAX. It has urged the Army to look into the cargo UAV concept, as 30,000 lb (13,600 kg) of cargo were successfully delivered in one day over the course of six missions (average 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) transported cargo per mission). Lockheed and Kaman have discussed the purchasing of 16 helicopters with the Navy and Marine Corps for a baseline start to the program.[23]

The unmanned K-MAX is competing with the lower-payload[27] Boeing H-6U Little Bird for the Marine Corps unmanned lift/ISR capability. Evaluations of the two helicopters are to begin in February 2014 at Marine Corps Base Quantico.[28]

Operators[]

N267KA

Superior Helicopter Kaman K-Max configured for aerial firefighting, showing the arrangement of the rotors

Flag of Colombia Colombia
Flag of Germany Germany
Flag of Switzerland  Switzerland
  • Rotex Helicopter AG[31]
United States

Specifications (K-MAX)[]

K-1200 orthographical image

Data from K-MAX Performance and Specs[37]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) external load
  • Length: 51 ft 10 in (15.8 m)
  • Rotor diameter: 48 ft 3 in (14.7m)
  • Height: 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m)
  • Empty weight: 5,145 lb (2,334 kg)
  • Useful load: 6,855 lb (3,109 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Honeywell T53-17 turboshaft, 1341 kW (1,800 shp), flat rated to 1118 kW (1500 shp) for take-off / 1350 shp in flight[38][39])

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 100 knots (185.2 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 80 knots (148.2 km/h)
  • Range: 267 nm (494.5 km)

See also[]

References[]

  1. Boyne, Walter J. (2011). How the Helicopter Changed Modern Warfare. Pelican Publishing. p. 45. ISBN 1-58980-700-6. 
  2. "Anton Flettner"; Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg
  3. "Twin Turborotor Helicopter." Popular Mechanics, August 1954, p. 139.
  4. 'K-Max Intermeshing Rotor Drive System' 53rd Annual Forum Proc., AHH, 1997.
  5. 'Composites take off ... in some civil helicopters.' March 1, 2005. Retrieved: 26 June 2011.
  6. Karman III, John R. (18 August 2008). "Demolition precedes new construction for Ursuline schools". http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2008/08/18/story8.html?b=1219032000%5E1685800. 
  7. The Kaman K-MAX Current Status SwissHeli.com by Markus Herzig
  8. Padfield, R Randall (March 2012). "Civil Tiltrotor and K-Max Aerial Truck Back in the Saddle?". AINonline.com. http://www.ainonline.com/sites/ainonline.com/files/pdf/ain_2012_heliexpo_report.pdf. Retrieved 31 March 2012. 
  9. "Lockheed Martin And Kaman Aerospace Demonstrate Unmanned Supply Helicopter To U.S. Army". http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/0605si-kmax.html. Retrieved 13 August 2009. 
  10. "Team K-MAX demonstrates successful unmanned Helicopter Cargo resupply to U.S. Marine Corps", Lockheed Martin press release, 8 February 2010. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
  11. "Lockheed Martin awarded $45.8 million for unmanned KMAX" Defense Update, 6 December 2010. Accessed: 11 December 2010.
  12. "Lockheed Martin/Kaman K-MAX Completes US Navy Unmanned Cargo Assessment", 8 September 2011. Accessed: 9 September 2011.
  13. John Roach. "Robotic helicopters at work in Afghanistan". Future of Technology, MSNBC. http://futureoftech.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/21/9612653-robotic-helicopters-at-work-in-afghanistan. Retrieved 22 December 2011. 
  14. "Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan". USMC. http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcascherrypoint/Pages/111220-M-JU941-CARGO1.aspx#.TvsPD1aQC6c. Retrieved 28 December 2011. 
  15. McLeary, Paul. "K-MAX Chugging Along in Afghanistan" Aviation Week, 3 February 2012. Accessed: 4 February 2012.
  16. "Beacon improves UAV’s cargo-delivery accuracy" Marine Corps Times, 8 July 2012. Retrieved: 9 July 2012.
  17. U.S. Marine Corps to Keep K-Max Unmanned Cargo Re-Supply Helicopter in Theater for Second Deployment Extension - Lockheed press release, July 31, 2012
  18. US Marines extend K-MAX unmanned helicopter's use in Afghanistan - Reuters.com, March 18, 2013
  19. "Unmanned K-MAX Wins Top Innovation Honors, USMC Praise". HeliHub. 9 Jan, 13. http://helihub.com/2013/01/09/unmanned-k-max-wins-top-innovation-honors-usmc-praise/. Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  20. "Unmanned K-Max is nominee for Collier Trophy". HeliHub. 11 Feb, 13. http://helihub.com/2013/02/11/unmanned-k-max-is-nominee-for-collier-trophy/. Retrieved 26 February 2013. 
  21. Unmanned Marine helo crashes in Afghanistan - Militarytimes.com, 13 June 2013
  22. US Navy set to resume K-Max flights - Flightglobal.com, 14 August 2013
  23. 23.0 23.1 Marines Work to Extend K-MAX in Afghanistan Through 2014 - Defensetech.org, 25 September 2013
  24. K-Max looks to lift overseas sales - Flightglobal.com, 18 June 2013
  25. STEPHEN TRIMBLE. "Lockheed tests K-Max cargo enhancement" - Flightglobal.com, 18 November 2013. Accessed: 18 November 2013.
  26. Lockheed seeks more autonomy for unmanned K-Max - Flightglobal.com, 11 September 2013
  27. Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) Helicopter UAV, United States of America army-technology.com
  28. USMC Unmanned Lift Competition Taking Shape - Defensenews.com, 25 September 2013
  29. "colombian army aviation". helis.com. http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1935/. Retrieved 5 January 2013. 
  30. "HELOG". helis.com. http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1908/. Retrieved 5 January 2013. 
  31. Markus Herzig. "Swiss Helicopters - Current Fleetlist". Swissheli.com. http://www.swissheli.com/helifleet.htm#Heliswiss. Retrieved 2012-06-18. 
  32. "Central Copters Inc.". http://www.centralcopters.com/helicopter-fleet/. Retrieved 7 July 2013. 
  33. "Heliqwest Fleet". .heliqwest.com. http://www.heliqwest.com/our-fleet/. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  34. "Swanson group aviation". DNA Web Agency. http://www.swansongroupaviation.com/. Retrieved 5 January 2013. 
  35. "Timberline Helicopters". http://timberlinehelicopters.com/. Retrieved 5 January 2013. 
  36. "US Marine Corp K-Max". helis.com. http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=5073. Retrieved 5 January 2013. 
  37. "K-MAX Performance and Specs". Kaman Aircraft. http://www.kaman.com/aerospace/helicopters/products-services/k-max/. Retrieved 2012-10-02. 
  38. Kaman K-1200 "K-MAX"
  39. "Kaman K–1200 FAA Approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual" Page 1–4. Kaman, February 17, 2004. Retrieved: October 2, 2012.

External links[]

All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at Kaman K-MAX and the edit history here.
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