BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Corporation (NYSE: KAMN), today announced the United States Forest Service (USFS) awarded 40 percent of all Type 1, large helicopters exclusive use contracts, to K-MAX helicopter operators. These four-year contracts ensure immediate resources are available to the USFS when the need for firefighting arises.
“The K-MAX continues to be a proven aerial firefighter worldwide and is the most cost effective Type 1 helicopter in service today,” said Roger Wassmuth, Senior Director of Business Development. “We are extremely proud of our K-MAX operators and pleased the USFS has decided to increase the number of K-MAX’s on exclusive use contracts.”
ROTAK Helicopter Services has been selected to provide two of the exclusive use Type 1 helicopters for wildfire suppression. “We are very excited to operate our K-MAX helicopters to support the USFS, it’s a great platform with a proven historical record,” said Ely Woods, General Manager, ROTAK Helicopter Services, Alaskan based helicopter operator specializing in aerial construction activities, wildfire suppression, disaster relief, and power line construction.
“Kaman is honored to provide a product that allows K-MAX operators to successfully support the USFS firefighting operations and our employees are proud of the role the K-MAX plays in reducing personal loss to all Americans who are impacted by wildfires. We stand by with parts and support to ensure our operators are available to aid the USFS in this critical function,” said Darlene Smith, Vice President and General Manager of the Kaman Air Vehicles division.
The K-MAX® is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for cyclical, external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg). The first unmanned helicopter was flown by Kaman in 1953.
About Kaman Corporation
Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, conducts business in the aerospace & defense, industrial and medical markets. Kaman produces and markets proprietary aircraft bearings and components; super precision, miniature ball bearings; proprietary spring energized seals, springs and contacts; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safe and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; restoration, modification and support of our SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters; manufacture and support of our K-MAX® manned and unmanned medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. More information is available at www.kaman.com.