Name that chopper

That be a K-max. I saw that one being built and flight tested at the factory. Where is it now?

They’re cool birds. I’ve never heard a quieter helicopter fly. You might not even notice it as it passed 500 ft above your head.
 
Not really a new concept though...

th




See the guy walking away from the 'copter in the picture..??

article-2083673-0F5E1D5900000578-668_634x423.jpg


That is not me.
 
Zeldman said:
Not really a new concept.
Click to expand...

Not a new concept at all. The first Kaman helicopter flew in 1947. Kaman went on to do a number of firsts: first turbine helicopter (1951), first twin turbine helicopter (1954), and first remotely piloted helicopter (1957). The H43, nicknamed Pedro also saved more lives than any other helicopter during The Vietnam War.

Kaman also developed the KAFlex driveshaft which retrofitted the entire UH-1 fleet for increased safety and reliability. Outside of aviation Kaman developed the Ovation guitar which became famous and was used by many professional musicians. And Kaman started the Fidelco Guide dog foundation, which trains seeing eye dogs.

You can read more about their achievements, including the deployment of their unmanned Kmax to Afighanistan on their website here: https://www.kaman.com/our-company/history-of-innovation
 
Bell206 said:
Definitely a unique machine. They make an external pax seat and wondered what kind of ride that would be.
Click to expand...

Well, that helicopter would have to be big enough to carry me in the external seat and the telephone pole I am hangin' on to....
 
Bell206 said:
Plenty of room for you and your pole.

See..... Rotak Helicopter Services taking reservations now....
Click to expand...
Cobra's had those. Right in front of the stub wing, I think, with options for lot's of loud, lethal, and intense weapons.
 
Bell206 said:
Plenty of room for you and your pole.

See..... Rotak Helicopter Services taking reservations now....
Click to expand...

I presume they charge extra for checked baggage?
 
Sundancer said:
Cobra's had those. Right in front of the stub wing, I think, with options for lot's of loud, lethal, and intense weapons.
Click to expand...

Not a seat, just an avionics / ammo door that folds down for emergency extraction. They call it a”Spur Ride” today. On the Apache, they strap in above the avionics sponson. I could’ve gone up during a training event we had but I said no thanks! :D





FC936C72-1914-41F2-9D03-71DFAB3C530E.jpeg


 
Last edited:
Velocity173 said:
Not a seat, just an ammo door that folds down for emergency extraction. The call it a”Spur Ride” today. On the Apache, they strap in above the avionics sponson. I could’ve gone up during a training event we had but I said no thanks! :D





View attachment 68848


Click to expand...

Is that the engine inlet right next to his head? That's gotta be pleasant...
 
Bill Jennings said:
Is that the engine inlet right next to his head? That's gotta be pleasant...
Click to expand...

Yep, probably pretty loud. Not sure what type of particle separator they use but obviously a possible FOD issue as well. But, I suppose that’s why it’s for emergency aircrew extraction. 58s had one as well but I think those guys strapped to the 3.75 inch pods.
 
Last edited:
They are a heavy lift machine, more than their own weight.
 
One of the helicopter companies we use to set HVAC equipment has one, great lifting ability but way way expensive compared to others.
 
tmyers said:
One of the helicopter companies we use to set HVAC equipment has one, great lifting ability but way way expensive compared to others.
Click to expand...

Talked to these guys the other day. They lift HVAC as well. Said the units they lift are around 8,000 lbs. A bit outside the K-Max limit.
1522D3F2-17F5-4D15-BFDE-36E043099C57.jpeg
 
^^^ they must need a large helicopter to lift the huge balls on that dude!
 
We Have used the S64 but is is mostly dedicated to fighting wild fires these days. The Government pays more than us lowly contractors. Erickson purchased the plans and builds them now, to even better performance levels than the Army/Air Force had. IIRC they could lift around 20K. The S58T we use most often can lift 4500 and the K-Max I think can lift 6500.

On smaller projects St Louis Helicopter has smaller birds that can lift in the 2500# range fairly economically.

I remember the last time I used a 64 it was $18k mobilization and $1200/lift, and that was back in the late 90's

Velocity, who uses the bird you attached?

This was our crew yesterday. I missed it, still recuperating from Shoulder Replacement surgery.

2018110995124258.jpg
 
tmyers said:
We Have used the S64 but is is mostly dedicated to fighting wild fires these days. The Government pays more than us lowly contractors. Erickson purchased the plans and builds them now, to even better performance levels than the Army/Air Force had. IIRC they could lift around 20K. The S58T we use most often can lift 4500 and the K-Max I think can lift 6500.

On smaller projects St Louis Helicopter has smaller birds that can lift in the 2500# range fairly economically.

I remember the last time I used a 64 it was $18k mobilization and $1200/lift, and that was back in the late 90's

Velocity, who uses the bird you attached?

This was our crew yesterday. I missed it, still recuperating from Shoulder Replacement surgery.

View attachment 68973
Click to expand...

Their shirts said Helimax. They came from SC but not sure if they’re based out of there. I asked the pilot about the blades because they’re obviously after market composite blades that replaced the original metal ones. Said they don’t make them anymore and they’re like one of only two sets in the entire country. :eek:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top