| The K-Max, developed and produced by the Kaman | | | | plastic materials. The blades are powered by a single |
| Aerospace Company, is the world's first helicopter | | | | Honeywell T53-17 turbo-shaft engine that produces |
| designed and built specifically for multiple external lift | | | | 1,800 shaft horsepower. |
| operations. The K-Max is able to perform a variety of | | | | The helicopter has a maximum forward speed of |
| roles including forestry, logging, agricultural work, and | | | | 100kts, which is a bit on the slow side but reduces |
| fire fighting. It's ability to lift 6,000 lbs externally | | | | stress and wear and tear on the rotor system. The |
| makes it a favorite among construction firms who | | | | helicopter cruises at 80 kts and has a range of 270 |
| need to place large pieces of gear such as air | | | | miles. |
| conditioning units or antennas in places where a | | | | The Kaman uses wheels instead of skids. The wheels |
| typical crane is not practical. | | | | are placed in a fixed, tricycle type configuration. Each |
| The K-Max is a single seat, single engine helicopter | | | | gear has a bear paw plate to prevent the wheels |
| that first flew in March 1992 and was awarded FAA | | | | from getting stuck when operating from snow and |
| certification in 1994. | | | | soft ground. |
| One of the most significant design features of the | | | | The U.S. Navy used the K-Max during the Vertical |
| helicopter is it's narrow cockpit which gives the pilot | | | | Replenishment Demonstration Program, which began |
| excellent forward, side, and downward visibility which | | | | in 1995. The K-max operated from both land and |
| is crucial for the types of missions the helicopter is | | | | shore bases to prove its merit when operating from |
| used for. Additionally the cockpit has a crash resistant | | | | marine environments which are typically harsh on |
| seat with a five-point harness restraint. Internal cargo | | | | aircraft. |
| can be placed in a compartment behind the pilots | | | | The FireMax, the fire-fighting variant of the K-Max, |
| seat. | | | | utilizes a 700 gallon tank that is able to refill from |
| The helicopter is made of a light metal alloy. It's a | | | | shallow water sources in as little as 20 seconds by |
| simple design that emphasizes strength and reliability. | | | | using a hydraulically powered hover refill pump. |
| The two inter meshing, contra-rotating blades are | | | | Pilots of the K-Max praise its tremendous visibility and |
| made from high strength carbon and glass reinforced | | | | handling while operators praise its reliability. |