Our Aircraft
K-MAX®
Built to Lift
Unmatched versatility
Quick to launch and cost-effective to operate, the K-MAX® is a proven, reliable responder in demanding environments. As a powerful aerial firefighting platform, it delivers continuous water or retardant drops to help protect lives and property.
Beyond emergency response, the K-MAX® excels in powerline construction, logging, disaster relief, hydro-seeding, and precision lifting operations, repeatedly transporting and placing heavy loads with confidence and efficiency. Its unmatched lift capability makes it an indispensable asset wherever tough jobs demand dependable aerial performance.
Performance
Purpose-Built Design
The job is tough. The operating environment is unrelenting. You need performance, versatility, and dependability. This is K-MAX®, the aerial truck.
External load capacity, max hot & high capability
Airframe structure life
Turbine engine, a proven powerplant
Efficient & Effective
Best Lift-to-Fuel Ratio
K-MAX® performs its heavy-lift mission far more efficiently and effectively than other helicopters with the best value lift-to-fuel ratio in its class.
| Aircraft | Capacity | Fuel | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-MAX® | 2,722 kg | 322 lph | 8.5 |
| AS332 | 4,750 kg | 606 lph | 7.8 |
| S70i | 4,082 kg | 606 lph | 6.7 |
| B412 HP | 2,041 kg | 416 lph | 4.9 |
| H60 | 4,082 kg | 606 lph | 6.7 |
| AW139 | 2,177 kg | 488 lph | 4.5 |
Capabilities
Unmatched Precision
The K-MAX® was specifically designed, built, tested and certified for repetitive external lifting. Precision placement of critical structures and equipment can be consistently performed, exponentially increasing efficiency of infrastructure and emergency response operations in inaccessible areas.
Low Noise
82dB ultra quiet operation improves safety & reduces disturbance
Low Rotor Wash
Lowest rotor down wash of any medium-heavy lift helicopter
Heavy-Duty Trolley
Enhanced stability & precise load placement
Narrow Fuselage
Optimal visibility for true vertical reference
Applications
Multi-Mission Ready
When the job is hot, high, dirty, or dangerous, the K-MAX® is ready.
Efficiency
Unmatched Efficiency
With K-MAX®, you’ll accomplish more with less. Bottom line—K-MAX® is proven and delivers a competitive advantage to your external lift operations with unmatched dependability and overall affordability in all environments.
No Tail Rotor
Eliminates costly gearboxes, drive shafts & associated maintenance
No Hydraulics
Servo-flap control system for simplified maintenance
322 lph Fuel
Most efficient lift-to-fuel ratio in its class
Altitude Performance
High/Hot Performance
K-MAX® delivers unrivaled payload capacity at altitudes other helicopters can’t match.
| Altitude | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Sea Level (ISA +15°C) | 2,722 kg |
| 1,524 m | 2,569 kg |
| 3,048 m | 2,342 kg |
| 4,572 m | 1,956 kg |
| 6,096 m | 680 kg |
Operational Footprint
Minimal Footprint Required
Keep your operation nimble with less ground support, less equipment and lower overhead.
Get in touch
Contact Kaman Air Vehicles
Have a question or need expert support? Our team is ready to help with engineering solutions, aftermarket services, and rotorcraft support. Complete the form and a KAV specialist will be in touch.
Headquarters
30 Old Windsor Rd
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone
+1 888.616.KMAX
avcommunications@kamanav.com