Kaman Teams With Lockheed on Helo Programs

Kaman Aerospace Corp. is teaming up with Lockheed Martin to market advanced manned and unmanned helicopter systems worldwide for government applications. Kaman has been struggling to build a market for its counter-rotating, intermeshing-rotor K-Max, which is tailored for vertical reference work. Its Helicopter Div. recently refocused on helicopter subcontracting and rapid-development work through its HeliworX rotorcraft innovation and manufacturing support center. Its hopes for future helicopter sales hinge largely on its Burro unmanned K-Max, initially pitched to the U.S. Marine Corps but now being evaluated by the U.S. Army. Under the partnering agreement, Lockheed Martin is to act as the prime contractor in pursuit of individual market opportunities. It also is to focus on advanced unmanned flight control for truly autonomous military operations and provide mission-specific avionics, sensors and weapons solutions. For related news