Kaman K-Max

The intermeshing-rotor helicopter built for heavy external lift

Overview

Kaman United States ICAO: KMAX 1996–Present Active $8 million (2017)

The Kaman K-Max is a single-seat helicopter designed specifically for external load operations. Featuring a distinctive intermeshing rotor system, it delivers high lift capability with mechanical efficiency. The aircraft has served in logging, firefighting, and military resupply roles.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Honeywell T53-17 turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
1,800 shp · 1,342 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Cabin height
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Cabin length
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Exterior length
51 ft 10 in  ·  15.80 m
Tail height
13 ft 1 in  ·  4.00 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Wing span
48 ft 3 in  ·  14.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
12,000 lb  ·  5,450 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,850 lb  ·  3,100 kg
Fuel capacity
230 gal · 900 L · 700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
100 kt  ·  115 mph  ·  185 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
300 nm  ·  350 mi  ·  560 km
Fuel burn
1.34 nm/gal  ·  0.66 km/L
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Rotex Helicopter – Kaman K-1200

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Operational Context

Kaman K-Max — intermeshing-rotor heavy lift helicopter

The K-Max was developed in the late 1980s as a specialized external lift platform building on Kaman’s long experience with intermeshing rotor designs. The prototype first flew in 1991, and production followed in the 1990s. Its unique rotor configuration eliminates the need for a tail rotor, directing engine power entirely to lift.

Powered by a Honeywell T53 turboshaft engine producing approximately 1,800 shaft horsepower, the K-Max cruises at around 100 knots (185 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 12,000 pounds (5,440 kg), with an external lift capacity exceeding 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) under favorable conditions. The single-seat cockpit is optimized for vertical reference operations.

The K-Max has been widely used in logging operations and aerial firefighting, where precise load placement is essential. An unmanned variant has also been developed for military cargo resupply missions. The aircraft remains one of the most distinctive and purpose-built heavy lift helicopters in operation.