Conceived and designed to perform repetitive external lifting, the K-MAX aerial truck performs these missions better than any other helicopter in the world. The single-engine, single-seat K-MAX is a rugged workhorse used globally for critical and repetitive lifting, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 340,000 flight hours since 1994.
Simple, Safe and Reliable
The K-MAX can lift more than its weight — 6,000 pounds — and burns just 82 gallons of fuel per hour during lift operations, making it the most efficient lift-to-fuel ratio of any helicopter in its class. The K-MAX helicopter’s simple, straightforward design uses fewer aircraft systems and shortens the load path between the engine and rotor system, which enhances the airframe’s ability to handle the stress loads that are generated between the rotor system and the cargo-hook assembly during repeated lifting exercises.
But the key to the K-MAX helicopter’s efficiency is an oversized intermeshing rotor system with servo-flap control. Operating without a tail rotor, all engine power is transferred directly to the large, counter-rotating main rotors. And what is more, the K-MAX maintains its power and performance at high altitudes and temperatures! Also, it requires less maintenance than helicopters with the traditional tail rotor configuration.
Cargo Hook and Trolley
The trolley system allows the cargo hook to move back and forth across the belly of the aircraft, enhancing load stability. The curved track in which the cargo hook rides is part of the heavily reinforced structure that delivers repeated and reliable lifting.
Vertical Reference Design and Innovation
An external instrument panel that is strategically located outside the cockpit of the aircraft enables pilots to actively monitor performance during load operations. Additionally, the K-MAX operates with a minimum number of systems that require pilot action or monitoring. This means that our pilots can perform all normal and emergency procedures without removing hands or feet from controls. The aluminum fuselage ranges in thickness from 0.065 inches to 0.125 inches for enhanced durability and safety, especially in critical areas such as the cockpit, fuel tank and lower fuselage.
Specifications:
Useful Load: 6,000 lbs.
Fuel Burn: 85 GPH
Range: 200 NM
Powerplant: Honeywell T53-17 Turbine
Services:
Firefighting
Aerial Crane
Aerial Seeding and Mulch
Power Line Construction
HVAC
Ski Lift Construction
Heavy Lift