Kaman Announces First Flight of Unmanned K-MAX TITAN™

Rhea-AI Summary

Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation, has successfully completed the first flight of K-MAX TITAN™, the world's first heavy-lift unmanned helicopter for the commercial market. This innovative system aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency in various conditions, including adverse weather. Kaman is also collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps to upgrade autonomous capabilities of existing K-MAX aircraft. The K-MAX TITAN™ can lift up to 6,000 pounds and is available for both existing and new production helicopters.

Positive

• Successful first flight of K-MAX TITAN™, a world-first in heavy-lift unmanned helicopters.
• Collaboration with U.S. Marine Corps to enhance autonomous capabilities.
• K-MAX TITAN™ can lift up to 6,000 pounds, providing versatility in operations.

Negative

• None.

Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation, announced today the first flight of its new unmanned helicopter, the K-MAX TITAN™. The world’s first heavy lift unmanned helicopter for the commercial market, K-MAX TITAN™ leads the way in repetitive, heavy lift without the constraints of manned operations. With a focus on enabling safety and operational efficiency, the proprietary K-MAX TITAN™ system will redefine the helicopter external lift market by increasing future mission capabilities in any location and any type of weather.

1st Flight of Unmanned K-MAX TITAN™ (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are excited to reach this major milestone on K-MAX TITAN™ – watching this capability take to the skies and knowing that we are going to solve some of the toughest challenges for our commercial and military customers,” stated Roger Wassmuth, Senior Director, Business Development, Air Vehicles Division.

Concurrent with commercial development, Kaman is working with the U.S. Marine Corps on upgrading the autonomous capabilities of their two USMC K-MAX^® air vehicles through a funded government contract. Flight-testing is expected to start in May 2021. The USMC experiment includes Kaman’s K-MAX TITAN™ unmanned system and Near Earth Autonomy’s sensor-based autonomy suite.

“Kaman leads the way with innovative solutions for our customers that are reliable, affordable and sustainable. K-MAX TITAN™ is no exception, whether the mission calls for firefighting, humanitarian assistance, or distributed logistics,” stated Darlene Smith, President, Air Vehicles and Precision Products Divisions.

The new K-MAX TITAN™ system will be available for existing K-MAX^® aircrafts as well as on new production K-MAX^® helicopters. The K-MAX^® is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) with unmatched performance in hot and high conditions.

About Kaman Corporation

Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, conducts business in the aerospace & defense, industrial and medical markets. Kaman produces and markets proprietary aircraft bearings and components; super precision, miniature ball bearings; proprietary spring energized seals, springs and contacts; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safe and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; restoration, modification and support of our SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters; manufacture and support of our K-MAX^® manned and unmanned medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. More information is available at www.kaman.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210421005898/en/

FAQ

What is K-MAX TITAN™?

K-MAX TITAN™ is the world's first heavy-lift unmanned helicopter designed for the commercial market, capable of lifting up to 6,000 pounds.

When did Kaman Air Vehicles conduct the first flight of K-MAX TITAN™?

The first flight of K-MAX TITAN™ was announced on April 21, 2021.

How does K-MAX TITAN™ improve operational efficiency?

K-MAX TITAN™ increases operational efficiency by enabling heavy lifting without manned operations, allowing for missions in any location and weather conditions.

Is Kaman collaborating with the military on K-MAX TITAN™?

Yes, Kaman is working with the U.S. Marine Corps on upgrading the autonomous capabilities of existing K-MAX aircraft as part of a funded government contract.

What missions can K-MAX TITAN™ be used for?

K-MAX TITAN™ can be utilized for various missions, including firefighting, humanitarian assistance, and distributed logistics.