3. INTRODUCTION
K-MAX is a multi-mission unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and Kaman
Aerospace.
It can be deployed to perform cargo resupply missions in the
battlefield.
The US Army Robotics Technology Consortium awarded a
contract to Lockheed Martin, in February 2014, to
demonstrate the K-MAX system's capability to transport the
company's squad mission support system (SMSS) unmanned
ground vehicle via sling load to a simulated area of interest.
K-MAX is the US Navy's first cargo UAS to operate in the
combat environment.
4.
5. Design
The unmanned helicopter was developed based on the
K-MAX heavy-lift aerial truck helicopter.
The UAS features low noise signature and requires low
maintenance and operating costs.
Its platform was designed by Kaman, while mission
management and flight control system were developed
by Lockheed Martin.
The helicopter is equipped with a four-hook carousel to
carry multiple loads in a single flight.
It is optionally fitted with a single seat cockpit for
maximum flexibility.
6.
7. Sensors
The unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with
line-of-sight (LOS) and satellite-based beyond
line-of-sight (BLOS) data link systems to provide
continuous communication between the
aircraft and GCS.
It is also fitted with mission management and
redundant flight control computers to provide
superior flight autonomy in severe environments
and over long distances.
8.
9. ENGINE
The K-MAX UAS is powered by Honeywell T53-17
gas turbine engine, which produces a power of
1,800shp.
It uses an average of 321.7L (85 gallons) of fuel
per hour.
The engine directly drives the intermeshing main
rotors as the UAS features no tail rotor system.
This feature ensures a high lift performance in
hot and high conditions.
10.
11. PERFORMANCE
The drone has a maximum airspeed of
185.2kmph.
The airspeed of the UAS with external load is
148.2kmph.
The maximum range is 1,852km, while the range
with external load is 396.3km, and 494.5km
without.
The UAV can carry out missions for more than 12
hours.
It can lift and deliver 2,722kg of cargo at sea
level.
