Pilot optional

Kaman's unmanned K-MAX loadlifter has successfully completed its maiden cargo flight in Afghanistan and is now fully operational. Two are in service and will soon be flying re-supply missions to forward operating bases, at night so as to minimise the risk from enemy small-arms fire.

K-MAX features a four-hook cargo carousel that allows it to deliver loads to multiple remote locations in one round-trip. It can lift and deliver 6,000lb of cargo at sea level, or 4,000lb at 15,000ft density altitude. During earlier Arizona trials it dropped from height and NLOS (non line-of-sight) ten GPS-guided JPADS (parachute-steered payloads), two of which were released remotely by the ground control station.

The 'optionally piloted' K-MAX system was developed, through a joint venture with Lockheed Martin, specifically to provide in-flight autonomy over long distances in remote environments. It has completed multiple guided air-drops from as high as 10,000ft.