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

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

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AmyWilder

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 about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

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Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

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Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

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Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

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Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

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