Kaman

US-based Kaman Aerospace has secured an order to deliver two manned K-MAX heavy lift utility helicopters to Chinese Lectern Aviation by 2017.

The delivery will be done by Kaman’s air vehicles and MRO division. The order marks the company’s entry into the growing Chinese aviation market.

The China Department of Forestry expects to use the two single-engine, single-seat helicopters in various fire operations.

Kaman Air vehicles and MRO division K-MAX helicopter programmes business development director Terry Fogarty said: "The Chinese market possesses significant market potential for the K-MAX and we are working to capitalise on these additional opportunities."

Kaman’s K-MAX helicopter has been used for firefighting, logging and other aerial lift missions worldwide.

In June, the company’s aero systems division resumed commercial production of K-MAX helicopters.

"The first ten aircraft produced are expected to generate revenues between $75m and $85m."

Kaman’s Jacksonville, Florida and Bloomfield, Connecticut facilities were selected to manufacture the aircraft.

Kaman Air chief financial officer Robert Starr said: "K-MAX production will result in a manageable near term investment in working capital and modest capital expenditures.

"With the aircraft already fully developed and certified, the non-recurring costs to restart production are expected to be minimal.

"The first ten aircraft produced are expected to generate revenues between $75m and $85m.

"Re-starting the K-MAX line is not expected to impact our full year 2015 outlook."

Switzerland’s Rotex Helicopter and Georgia’s Helicopter Express currently operate K-MAX helicopters.

K-MAX features a counter-rotating rotor system and is suitable for external load operations, and can conduct vertical reference flights. The aircraft can lift up to 2,722kg.

Image: Kaman to deliver two K-MAX helicopters to Lectern Aviation. Image: courtesy of Kaman.