Kaman Aerospace hopes to convert its lease agreements on K-Max heavy lift helicopters into firm sales and at the same time continue a policy of diversification to smooth out the cyclical nature of the rotorcraft business.
Setting out its strategy for a stable future during Paris, Kaman says four of the six aircraft, all of which are white-tails, are now in service and the other two have expressions of interest. Kaman sees the lease operators as the eventual owners.
FirefightingThe start of the fire season in the US is likely to increase demand for the aircraft in firefighting mode, the company says, with more positive news coming from the USA, Canada and New Zealand, which have all released new land for logging - one of the other key missions for K-Max.
Before the outbreak of SARS, Kaman had an agreement in place for the lease of two K-Max in Taiwan.
The agreement is still on the table, but may need to wait a few months, the company says.
Kaman is also adding to the equipment package on the aircraft in a bid to increase its versatility.
The addition of the IFEX water cannon and the option for a 600gal (2,300litre) belly tank as an alternative to the traditional underslung load are examples.
In the week after Paris, a K-Max will be deployed in demonstration mode as part of a US Army Aviation Technology Directorate investigation into future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications.
Kaman believes the differentiator for K-Max is its 6,000lb (2,700kg) payload, which would position it not only as a stand-alone UAV, but also as having the capability of deploying land-based UAVs with precision, including multiple loads.
Turning to the H-2 series, Kaman has been boosted during the show by news that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has completed a successful review of the SH-2G(A) Super SeaSprite's software critical design, prior to the aircraft being accepted into service.
The decision is significant because it means that training can begin at the RAN's 805 Squadron base. Along with pilot and aircrew training, the RAN expects to begin first of class flight trials and shipboard interface testing by October.
Revenue
Away from the rotorcraft manufacturing business Kaman is continuing efforts to secure alternative revenue streams.
The company says it would like its aerostructures and helicopter subcontracting businesses to achieve 30% of group revenue, with its rotary business accounting for 50% and the growing fusing business the other 20% of income. Kaman believes this approach will help to dampen the effect of downturns in the rotorcraft industry.
Source: Flight Daily News
