Kamatics reduces operating costs and increases reliability on the Bell 212/412 helicopter with its new KAflex drive shaft

Rhea-AI Summary

Kamatics Corporation, a Kaman business (NYSE:KAMN), is finalizing the introduction of a KAflex® drive shaft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Bell 212/412/SP helicopters. Designed for low operating costs and no maintenance, it can be rebuilt after 5,000 hours of use, requiring only visual inspections and an out-of-aircraft check at 2,500 hours. This innovation, developed collaboratively with Bell, aims to significantly reduce operational costs and enhance safety. The drive shaft is expected to be well received by customers, reflecting strong market demand and collaboration.

Positive

• Introduction of KAflex® drive shaft for Bell helicopters indicates innovation and potential market growth.
• Drive shaft design offers low operational costs and requires no maintenance, appealing to cost-conscious operators.
• Collaboration with Bell enhances product credibility and market entry.

Negative

• None.

Kamatics Corporation – Bloomfield, Connecticut, a Kaman business (NYSE:KAMN), is in the final stages of introducing a KAflex^® drive shaft Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Bell models 212/412/SP helicopters. Developed in close coordination with Bell and designed to achieve very low operating costs, this drive shaft has no moving parts, requires no maintenance and can be rebuilt after 5,000 hours of operation. Daily pre-flight visual inspections and a 2,500 hour, out-of-aircraft inspection, are the only service requirements. The KAflex^® design currently operates on many other helicopter models around the world and has a built-in “fail-safe” feature unique to its design.

Kaman and its businesses have a longstanding relationship with Bell and support a number of Bell platforms. This aftermarket replacement kit was driven by market demand and the teams at each company have worked collaboratively over the past 18 months towards meeting FAA requirements for the STC, including an installation conformity inspection and ground run test with Alpine Helicopters, British Columbia. “As the first operator to receive the new KAflex^® drive shaft for our 212HP helicopters, we were very pleased with the installation's outcome. We anticipate considerable reductions in operational costs and the safety and reliability improvements are an added value", said Scott Hayward, Director of Maintenance, Alpine Helicopters.

“I expect the Kamatics 212/412 drive shaft STC to be well received by our customers due to its significant operating cost improvement. Bell engineering collaborated with Kamatics on this project and we worked very well together. Bell is always looking for ways to bring more value to our customers and this collaboration with Kamatics is another example,” said Van Wilson, Director of Customer Solutions, Bell Helicopter.

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.

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FAQ

What is the KAflex® drive shaft introduced by Kamatics Corporation?

The KAflex® drive shaft is a new maintenance-free drive shaft designed for Bell 212/412/SP helicopters, requiring only visual inspections and an out-of-aircraft check.

How does the KAflex® drive shaft benefit helicopter operators?

It offers significant reductions in operational costs, has no moving parts, and can be rebuilt after 5,000 hours of operation.

What is the significance of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the KAflex® drive shaft?

The STC indicates that the KAflex® drive shaft complies with FAA requirements, ensuring safety and reliability for operators.

When was the KAflex® drive shaft developed?

The KAflex® drive shaft was developed over the past 18 months in collaboration between Kamatics and Bell.

What market demand is driving the introduction of the KAflex® drive shaft?

The introduction is driven by a strong market demand for cost-effective and reliable helicopter components.