Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

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Mark Huber

Kaman expects its K-Max optionally piloted vehicle module to enter ground and flight testing during the first half of this year, it announced late last week. The company is continuing to develop a commercial optionally-piloted version while working with the U.S Marine Corps on upgrading the autonomous capabilities of the unmanned K-Max heavy-lift utility helicopter.

 


“Our team has done a great job assessing the global market, identifying future technologies, and working with potential and existing customers to secure additional orders for our K-Max helicopter,” said Darlene Smith, president of Kaman Air Vehicles/Precision Products Division.

 


Kaman began accepting customer commitments for the unmanned module last year. It can be applied to either new-build or in-service K-Max helicopters and weighs&nbsp;approximately 200 pounds less than previous versions developed since the 1990s for military applications.&nbsp;In Afghanistan between 2011 and 2014, unmanned K-Max operations replaced the activity of more than&nbsp;900 ground convoys that would have been forced to traverse perilous roads and possible enemy attack. A pair of K-Max moved 4.5 million pounds of cargo during the deployment.&nbsp;

 


The company also announced it was delivering a third new K-Max built over the last two quarters and that the helicopter model had recently received Brazilian certification.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Optionally Piloted K-Max To Begin Testing by Midyear

 Kaman's optionally piloted vehicle module for the K-Max helicopter will enter ground and flight testing during the first half of 2021.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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