Kaman K-MAX
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| K-MAX | |
|---|---|
 A HELOG Heliswiss Kaman K-Max |
|
| Type | Medium lift helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Kaman Aircraft |
| Status | Active |
| Number built | 38+ |
The Kaman K-MAX (also known as the K-1200) is an American helicopter with intermeshing rotors built by Kaman Aircraft. It is optimized for external load operations.
Contents |
[edit] Development
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This section does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008) Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
This helicopter uses the functional principles of the Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri developed in Germany during World War II by Anton Flettner who joined the Kaman company after the war (Operation Paperclip).
Known as a synchropter, there are two main rotors, which are mounted side-by-side. Each rotor is angled away from the other, and they counter-rotate, thus intermeshing and providing not only lift, but also countering the torque of the other rotor. All of the engine power goes toward lift, with no parasitic loss to power a secondary torque rotor, as found in conventional helicopters. The power transmission and control systems are thus simpler, as well. Control is through the use of servo-flaps mounted on the trailing edge of each rotor.
The K-MAX series are the latest in a long line of Kaman synchropters, the most famous of which is the HH-43 Huskie. The first turbine-powered helicopter was also a synchropter.
The K-1200 K-MAX "aerial truck" is the world's first helicopter specifically designed, tested and certified for repetitive external lift operations and vertical reference flight, an important feature for external load work. Other rotorcraft used for these tasks are adapted from general-purpose helicopters, or those intended to primarily carry passengers or internal cargo. The aircraft's narrow, wedge-shaped profile gives the pilot an unprecedented view of the load looking out either side of the aircraft.
The K-MAX relies on the two primary advantages of synchopters over conventional helicopters. The first of these is the most efficiency of any rotor-lift technology, the other is the synchropter's natural tendency to hover. This increases stability, especially for precision work in placing suspended loads. At the same time, the synchropter is more responsive to pilot control inputs, making it easily possible to swing a load thus to scatter seed, chemicals or water over a larger area.
For hazardous missions, an unmanned remote-control version of the K-MAX is planned, the K-MAX Unmanned Multi-Mission Helicopter. It could be used in combat situations to deliver supplies to the battlefield, as well as civilian situations involving chemical, biological or radiological hazards.
A total of 38 K-1200 K-MAX helicopters are known to have been built, of which 13 are unflyable or have been written off in accidents to date (May 2008).
[edit] Operators
Japan- Kyokuto Boeki (Japan Royal Helicopter), Akagi Helicopter
South Korea- Lucky Air
Liechtenstein- ROTEX
Switzerland- Eagle Helicopter, Helog Heliswiss
United States- Mountain West, Woody Contracting, Superior Helicopter, Timberline Helicopters, Rainier Heli-Lift
[edit] Specifications (K-MAX)
Data from {www.kamanaero.com}[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) external load
- Length: 51 ft 10 in (15.8 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft 3 in (14.7m)
- Height: 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m)
- Empty weight: 5,145 lb (2,334 kg)
- Useful load: 6,855 lb (3,109 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Honeywell T53-17 turboshaft, 1,800 shp ()
Performance
- Maximum speed: 100 knots (185.2 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 80 knots (148.2 km/h)
- Range: 267 nm (494.5 km)
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
[edit] References
- ^ K-MAX Performance and Specs. Retrieved on 2007-01-14.
[edit] External links
- Kaman Aerospace's K-MAX page
- Excellent picture and description
- Superior Helicopter K-MAX with Firemax system
- Austrian Wucher Helikopter
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