Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation have successfully transformed Kaman’s proven K-MAX® power lift helicopter into an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capable of autonomous or remote controlled cargo delivery. Its mission: battlefield cargo resupply for the U.S. military.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1l_mshdA48
The K-MAX UAS is a transformational technology for a fast-moving battlefield that will enable Marines to deliver supplies either day or night to precise locations without risk of losing life in the process. The aircraft can fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing UAS. With its four hook carousel, the K-MAX UAS can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight
The team has flown the K-MAX UAS nearly 400 hours in autonomous mode since joining forces in 2007. The rugged system can lift and deliver a full 6,000 lbs of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 15,000 ft density altitude.
The K-MAX continues to exceed expectations as an unmanned platform. The aircraft has met all unmanned milestones to date and continues to excel in the commercial logging and firefighting industries. The aircraft will remain optionally piloted for ease of National Airspace Operations, occasional manned mission flexibility, ferry flights, rapid integration of new mission equipment, and allow rapid return-to-service activities.
The manned version of the K-MAX is used for repetitive lift operations by commercial operators for the construction and logging industries. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 255,000 flight hours since 1994.
-Specifications-
Weights and Measurements
• Max gross weight (with external load): 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)
• Max take-off weight: 7,000 lb (3,175 kg)
• Empty weight: 5,145 lb (2,334 kg)
• Useful load: 6,855 lb (3,109 kg)
• Cargo hook capacity: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
Lift Performance — ISA +15°C (59°F)
• Sea Level: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg)
• 5,000 feet: 5,663 lb (2,574 kg)
• 10,000 feet: 5,163 lb (2,347 kg)
• 15,000 feet: 4,313 lb (1,960 kg)
Hover Performance — 4,000 feet, 35°C (95°F)
• Hover IGE: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)
• Hover OGE: 11,500 lb (5,216 kg)
Powerplant
• Model – Honeywell T53-17 gas turbine
• Thermodynamic rating: 1,800 shaft horsepower
Maximum Airspeed
• Without external load: 100 kt (185.2 kph)
• With external load: 80 kt (148.2 kph)
Fuel System
• Total usable fuel: 219.5 gal (831 liters)
• Average fuel consumption: 85 gal/hr (321.7 l/hr)
• Jet A fuel: 557.6 lb/hr (252.9 kg/hr)
• Maximum endurance: 12+ hr
• Maximum range: 1,852km (est)
• Maximum speed with external load: 148.2km/h
• Maximum speed without external load: 185.2km/h
• Internal fuel endurance: 2 hr 41 min
• Range with external load: 396.3km
• Range without external load: 494.5km
• Approved fuels: Jet A/A-1, JP-5, Jet B/JP-4, JP-8
Recent News: WASHINGTON, August 16th, 2011- Lockheed Martin Awarded Up To $47 Million to Develop Unmanned Autonomous Technologies