Rotorcraft
Kaman To Restart K-Max Production after 12-year Hiatus
The K-Max was certified in 1994 and the production line was shuttered in 2003 after 38 were built.
Two autonomously piloted Kaman K-Max helicopters flew for the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan between 2011 and 2014, delivering 4.5 million pounds of cargo. Now, the heavy-lift helicopter will be put back into production. (Photo: Kaman)
Two autonomously piloted Kaman K-Max helicopters flew for the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan between 2011 and 2014, delivering 4.5 million pounds of cargo. Now, the heavy-lift helicopter will be put back into production. (Photo: Kaman)

Kaman Aerospace announced on Friday that it will restart production of the K-Max K-1200 heavy external lift helicopter. The K-Max was certified in 1994 and the production line was shuttered in 2003 after 38 were built. The helicopter can lift up to 6,000 pounds externally and is powered by a single Honeywell T53-17 turboshaft flat rated to 1,500 shp (takeoff).