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Kaman K-MAX (K-1200)

1994 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History

The Kaman K-MAX is a multi-role, multi-mission, all-weather platform certified for long-duration missions with repetitive moderate buoyancy external deployment. The helicopter was specifically designed for this role, a departure from similar systems that are often based on existing but proven airframes and designed to serve passengers.

As such, the K-MAX supports only one pilot seated and is powered by a single engine, which keeps the fuselage as small as possible. Despite her rather fragile appearance, the K-MAX is a heavy workhorse with unparalleled characteristics that allow her to carry cargo that exceeds her advertised curb weight.

The K-MAX system is known by the Kaman company name "K-1200".

The K-MAX series is manufactured by Kaman Aerospace Corporation as part of the Kaman Corporation brand name. Originally an aerospace company founded in 1945 and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, under the leadership of Charles Kaman, Kaman was immediately immersed in the world of helicopter flight. The company designs and manufactures rotor systems that have subsequently set several aviation milestones (such as the first turbine-powered helicopter) and world aviation records.

In 1956, Kaman began working as a subcontractor for several prominent defense contractors, including McDonnell Douglas, and turned to more advanced composite materials to reinvent old wood methods that were previously popular. Kaman's expertise and willingness to be different also led the company to design an Ovation-branded composite guitar, which is Kaman Music.

The K-MAX is classified as a "synchrogyrocopter," a helicopter that uses an intermeshing rotor system, where the rotors rotate in opposite directions and angles, so they generate lift as they spin. This rotor concept was realized by German engineer Anton Flettner during World War II and featured in his Flettner Fi 256 design. The Fi 256 is a relatively small one-man helicopter designed for use by German U-boats in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

The K-MAX essentially uses a modernized form of the concept that has proven to be a highly viable rotorcraft. The use of these intermeshing rotors means the K-MAX does not require a traditional tail rotor to counteract the inherent torque effects of helicopters that use a single rotating rotor or propeller. The interlocking rotor arrangement gives the K-MAX its inherent floating ability, making it relatively easier to control during precise movements.

This rotor assembly is said to have proven to be more efficient in the long run compared to conventional helicopters.

The K-MAX's stylish in-line design and single-seat layout provide excellent cockpit visibility through domed side sunroofs. The front view is likewise dominated by a large curved canopy, with the pilot sitting on a high seat with a spectacular vantage point. All key controls are connected to loop handles and collection handles. The exterior instrument panel has been carefully designed with mission-critical indicators to keep the pilot's eyes close to the situation when precise hovering is required.

The engine was installed in the midship compartment and opened by means of a cylindrical bracket located above the tailgate base. Twin rotor pylons protrude from the top of the fuselage, and each blade is controlled by mechanical servo flaps along the trailing edge. Servo flaps make complex and prone to failure hydraulic or electric systems redundant.

The fins are set low and complemented by a pair of external vertical fins on the short wings. The tail is covered with an array of elongated and tall vertical fins. The high-performance landing gear is of a traditional design with two single-wheel main gear legs and a single-wheel nose gear, the latter of which is located below the sharp front assembly.

There is a specially designed integrated cargo hook - the heart and soul of the K-MAX system - placed on a trolley system that allows the hook and cargo to slide forward and aft along the bottom of the hull. The hitch is approved for loads up to 6,000 lbs.

Overall, the K-MAX effectively reduces pilot workload compared to other helicopter systems trying to fill the same role. With only one turboshaft and no tail rotor, there is no need to deal with multiple engine management or multiple gearboxes. There are no flight control hydraulics, just an internal fuel tank to manage.

The Kaman brochure claims that the only requirement for the K-MAX is a trained pilot and a trained mechanic - no specialized facilities are required for maintenance. Additionally, Kaman touts the K-MAX as the world's quietest helicopter, with noise levels comparable to an alarm clock 2 feet away.

The barrel length of the K-MAX fuselage is approximately 51 feet 10 inches, while its rotor diameter is 48 feet 3 inches. At rest, the K-MAX is 13 feet 7 inches tall. It weighs 5,145 pounds empty and has a maximum takeoff weight of 12,000 pounds.

The K-MAX is powered by a Honeywell T53-17 series turboshaft engine delivering 1,800 shaft horsepower. This gives the machine a speed of up to 115 mph and a range of up to 306 miles, while using only 82 gallons of fuel per hour.

The rugged K-MAX has proven itself in a variety of roles including search and rescue (SAR), logistics, heavy construction projects, logging, firefighting (water drop) and disaster relief. An unmanned version of the K-MAX system was submitted to the U.S. military for evaluation in 2008 to validate an unmanned aerial vehicle delivering supplies to forward operating bases.

The unmanned model is also intended for use in civilian roles, using nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) components to test air quality. Regardless, the idea behind the unmanned K-MAX is to keep pilots out of direct contact with dangerous elementswhether on the battlefield or in the atmosphere.

The unmanned K-MAX has already proven itself in separate evaluations by U.S. Army and Marine Corps authorities.

Some 40 K-MAX helicopter systems have been reported to have been built, although operators are located all over the world, including (or including) Austria, Canada, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States of America) . U.S.