Rotorcraft Report: Lockheed Martin Takes Delivery Of Manned-Unmanned K-Max

PRODUCTS

The K-Max manned-unmanned helicopter program took an important step forward Aug. 1 when Kaman Aerospace’s Helicopters Div delivered the first of two refurbished helicopters to Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, N.Y.

Kaman and Lockheed Martin in March 2007 signed a teaming agreement to develop and market a manned-unmanned version of the K-Max helicopter to government customers. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the program. Kaman is responsible for K-Max manufacturing and commercial sales.

During the milestone delivery, Kaman Helicopters Div President Sal Bordonaro presented Lockheed Martin pilot Jerry McCawley with the K-Max flight logbook and training completion certificate. McCawley lifted off from the Kaman flight ramp immediately after the ceremony for the 2-hr flight to Lockheed Martin’s Owego, N.Y. facility, where the aircraft will be used for test and development work.

"This is a great day and a proud moment for Kaman as we continue our efforts with Lockheed Martin to develop the unmanned K-Max," Bordonaro said. "K-Max helicopters are bringing important new capabilities to the battlefield of the future. This is a game changer."

Kaman is slated to deliver a second refurbished K-Max later this summer."