Article Posted on : - Dec 13, 2010

The unmanned K-MAX launches from the pad with a 1500 lb sling load during contractor flight tests at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ, January 2010. A Lockheed Martin photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Naval Air Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace a $45.8 million contract for K-MAX unmanned aircraft systems.

“The K-MAX UAS was specifically designed for the battlefield cargo resupply mission,” said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems vice president.

“K-MAX’s capabilities directly answer the Marine Corps’ requirement to augment ground and air logistics operations, supplement rotary-wing assets and keep warfighters supplied and out of harm’s way.”

The contract includes the delivery of two K-MAX air vehicles and three remote control ground stations to the US Marine Corps for a Quick Reaction Assessment, scheduled for summer 2011.

The unmanned K-MAX has demonstrated its ability to carry and deliver 6,000 pounds of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 10,000 feet altitude.

The aircraft can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight than any other unmanned rotary wing aircraft. Its intermeshing rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor and allow for significantly improved lift performance and lower maintenance costs, a release said.