To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy.

×
Open menu Search

K-MAX deployment extended

9th May 2012 - 16:45 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

Lockheed Martin has announced that two unmanned K-MAX helicopters will remain in theatre in Afghanistan until September on a deployment extension. Between them, the aircraft have delivered more than one million pounds in less than four months in support of US Marine Corps (USMC) operations, the company said in a 9 May, 2012 statement.

Developed in a joint effort by Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace, KMAX is the first unmanned helicopter to deliver cargo and resupply troops in a combat zone. According to Lockheed Martin, they have been keeping a steady pace of six missions per day, with record load deliveries ranging from a single 4,200-pound sling load to 28,800 pounds lifted in a single day. During operations in Afghanistan, previously scheduled to end in June, the aircraft has ‘met or exceeded all expectations with less than one maintenance man-hour per flight hour’. As a result, the USMC has extended the K-MAX deployment through the end of September.

According to the company, the unmanned K-MAX has demonstrated its ability to carry and deliver 6,000 pounds of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 10,000 feet altitude; and is able to carry more cargo on its four-hook carousel to more locations in one flight than any other unmanned rotary wing platform. Its intermeshing rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor and allow for significantly improved lift performance and lower maintenance costs

The Shephard News Team

Author

The Shephard News Team


As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin