Article Posted on : - Aug 18, 2011

K-MAX Hover. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $47 million contract to develop, demonstrate and deliver autonomous technologies for unmanned air systems in support of in-theater unmanned cargo resupply missions.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace will demonstrate intelligent autonomous technologies for unmanned aerial systems using the K-MAX helicopter platform.

"“Lockheed Martin’s experience, resources and proven K-MAX platform will allow us to meet the Army’s objectives," Dan Spoor, vice president of Aviation Systems at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

The Army’s Aviation Applied Technology Directorate is investing in mature technologies that will enhance unmanned cargo resupply capabilities by improving autonomous operations, increasing delivery accuracy and reducing ground control station operator workload.

Prior to being deployed for cargo resupply missions, the technology will be demonstrated in an operationally realistic environment on the unmanned K-MAX, the release added.

The 6,000 lb power lifter can fly at a higher altitude with a heavier payload than any other rotary wing unmanned system. With its four-hook carousel, the unmanned K-MAX can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight.

Since partnering in 2007, Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace have met all milestones to date and recently began electromagnetic environmental effects testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, as part of the Navy and Marine Corps Cargo Unmanned Air Systems programme.