Tue, Dec 14, 2010
NAVAIR Awards Evaluation Contract Worth $45.8 Million
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded a $45.8
million contract to Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace for a U.S.
Marine Corps evaluation of unmanned cargo resupply in an
operational forward deployed environment using the K-MAX unmanned
aircraft systems.
K-MAX UAV
"The K-MAX UAS was specifically designed for the battlefield
cargo resupply mission," said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin Aviation
Systems vice president. "K-MAX's capabilities directly answer the
Marine Corps' requirement to augment ground and air logistics
operations, supplement rotary-wing assets and keep warfighters
supplied and out of harm's way."
The contract includes the delivery of two K-MAX air vehicles and
three remote control ground stations to the U.S. Marine Corps for a
Quick Reaction Assessment, scheduled for summer 2011.
The unmanned K-MAX has demonstrated its ability to carry and
deliver 6,000 pounds of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000
pounds at 10,000 feet altitude. The aircraft can also deliver
more cargo to more locations in one flight than any other unmanned
rotary wing aircraft. Its intermeshing rotors eliminate the need
for a tail rotor and allow for significantly improved lift
performance and lower maintenance costs.
"K-MAX is the optimal choice for an affordable unmanned cargo
delivery capability," said Terry Fogarty, Kaman Aerospace Unmanned
Aircraft Systems general manager. "With reduced operational and
logistics costs, increased fuel savings and less manpower required
compared to a ground vehicle convoy or manned helicopter, the K-MAX
is the lowest-risk solution for the mission."
Since partnering in 2007, Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace
have made significant investments to provide a rapid response to an
urgent military service need. The team has met all milestones to
date and exceeded Marine Corps requirements during a demonstration
at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah in January.
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