K-Max proved its worth in Afghanistan - Now on the US mainland - Rotor&Wing

Arizona Marine Air Station Receives 2 K-MAXs

Amy Kluber

The first two Kaman K-MAX helicopters arrived at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona, over the weekend. The K-MAX's primary mission is to provide cargo load operations with a max payload of 6,000 lb. It can also fly unmanned.

"These two particular aircraft were over in Afghanistan for almost three years flying unhanded, and moving almost five million pounds of cargo, keeping numerous convoys off the road, preventing any roadside attacks," said Jerry McCawley, a chief pilot and flight safety engineer with Lockheed Martin.

The aircraft will use the station's training ranges in Arizona and California and will become an integral part in testing and operations alongside the rest of the station's military fleet, said the service.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps / Pfc. George Melendez