The unmanned K-MAX® helicopter, with 6,000 lbs. of payload, is an Unmanned Aerial Truck (UAT). It provides precision aerial delivery in high-hot conditions, without the threat to human life, delivering supplies downrange, including: food, water, fuel, blood or bullets.
The UAT continues a Kaman tradition of pioneering unmanned helicopters. In 1957, Charles Kaman, founder of Kaman Corporation, created the first pilotless aircraft.
In 2007, Kaman and Lockheed Martin (Team K-MAX®) signed a Strategic Relationship Agreement (SRA) to pursue unmanned aircraft opportunities.
In 2010, Team K-MAX® (Kaman Aerospace and Lockheed Martin), successfully demonstrated the K-MAX® aircraft’s unmanned capabilities to the U.S. Marine Corps at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. Following the initial capabilities demonstration, the UAT successfully operated in Afghanistan with the US Marine Corps delivering cargo to Forward Operating Bases and Combat Outposts; and retrograding cargo back from those locations. The UAT has also been outfitted with advanced technology systems and successfully completed autonomous demonstrations with both the US Army and the US Navy. It delivers unprecedented potential for battlefield sustainment and increased tactical mobility.
Although the UAT was first utilized by the US military, its capabilities are readily applicable to the commercial use of unmanned helicopters.
