Kaman K-1200 K-MAX Family

The K-MAX is a single-seat external-lift helicopter designed specifically for repetitive cargo work. Its two side-by-side intermeshing rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor and let the pilot look down past the narrow fuselage while carrying suspended loads. Manned aircraft serve logging, construction, firefighting, and infrastructure missions. Optionally piloted K-MAX derivatives can be controlled remotely or by an onboard pilot. The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service evaluated this technology in a controlled New York demonstration in November 2014 and in wildland-firefighting scenarios at Idaho's Lucky Peak Helibase in October 2015. The latter demonstration included cargo deliveries and bucket water drops, exploring ways to extend aerial support when poor visibility or night conditions limit crewed aviation.