Kaman Aerospace has received an additional $2.7 million from the US Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) to further develop a remotely piloted version of its K-MAX helicopter that could be used as an unmanned resupply platform.
Last year Kaman received $4.2 million to design, fabricate and install a K-MAX remote piloting system as part of the Broad-area Unmanned Responsive Resupply Operations (BURRO) concept. BURRO aims to prove the use of a vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to deliver supplies to troops dispersed on a battlefield.
The system will be put through a two-week demonstration programme later this year.
Earlier this year, Kaman demonstrated the concept during which a ground operator launched, flew and recovered the unmanned helicopter. The latest contract covers installation of coupled navigation and external load systems.
Kaman plans to demonstrate a BURRO able to navigate to pre-programmed waypoints autonomously. The proof-of-concept robotic cargo system will be able to handle 2,715kg (6,000lb) loads.
Source: Flight International
