Kaman K-1200 K-Max
The Kaman K-1200 K-Max is a single-seat helicopter built for one job: precise external-load lifting, using twin intermeshing rotors instead of a tail rotor so all of its engine power goes into lift rather than countering torque. Its narrow fuselage carries no passengers at all, just a pilot and a cargo hook rated to lift loads close to the helicopter's own empty weight. Logging companies and firefighting agencies use it to place heavy loads with a precision conventional helicopters struggle to match. An unmanned, remotely piloted version was later developed for military resupply missions in combat zones.
Did you know?
The Kaman K-Max uses twin intermeshing rotors instead of a tail rotor, built purely for precise external-load lifting.
Specifications
| Length | 15.9 m (52 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.1 m (13 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 14.7 m (48 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 5.4 t |
| Range | 230 NM (426 km) |
| Maximum speed | 100 kt (185 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s) |
| Fuel capacity | 860 l |
| Engines | 1x Honeywell T53-17A |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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