Unmanned Remote Control Version
An unmanned remote-control version, the K-MAX Unmanned Multi-Mission Helicopter, is planned for hazardous missions. It could be used in combat to deliver supplies to the battlefield, as well as civilian situations involving chemical, biological, or radiological hazards. A prototype of this was shown in 2008 for potential military heavy-lift resupply use, and again in 2010.
In December 2010 NAVAIR awarded a $46 million contract to Kaman for two aircraft, and in 2011 they completed a five-day Quick Reaction Assessment.
In December 2011 an unmanned K-Max was reported to be at work in Afghanistan. On December 17, 2011, the United States Marine Corps conducted the first unmanned aerial system cargo delivery in a combat zone using an unmanned version of the Kaman K-MAX. The unmanned KMAX moved about 3,500 pounds of food and supplies to troops at Combat Outpost Payne.
Lockheed Martin claimed in January 2012 that K-MAX has delivered 100,000 pounds of cargo in 50 unmanned missions.
Kaman reported on May 9, 2012 that K-Max has delivered over 1,000,000 pounds of cargo in less than four months and would continue to be deployed until September 2012. K-Max delivered more than 500,000 pounds of cargo just in March 2012.
A third unmanned K-MAX, based in the US, was tested in 2012 to deliver cargo to a small homing beacon with 3 meter precision.
On July 31, 2012, Lockheed announced a second service extension for the K-MAX in Afghanistan for the Marines. This extends operation time to the end of March 2013, with the option to extend through to the end of September 2013. As of July 31, 2012, Lockheed reports the K-MAX has completed 485 sorties, 525 flight hours, and delivered over 1.6 million pounds of cargo since its deployment in November 2011.
Read more about this topic: Kaman K-MAX
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