I have been following the unmanned Kaman/Lockheed Martin K-Max since the idea was first mooted, I think it is a sound concept, whether it is affordable is of course another matter.
The latest information from the team as it has passed the QRA milestone
Not fantastically fond of unmanned thingies if only because they tend to be expensively doing jobs that a manned platform could do ever so slightly cheaper.
I realise there is an advantage to loiter times and portability although I can’t help but feel that there might be better solutions to some of these things.
I think also that if they go fully unmanned as certain people want then there are some reliability issues as well as interesting legal questions regarding personal responsibility that will need to be answered.
I’ve always liked this aircraft and thought it a shame the UK never obtained any of the manned versions it’s specs are spot on, and instead of using helos that can carry a fair number troops for moving loads and therefore negating the troop carrying role, should have some of these. In fact as it comes in under this mythical weight limit for the army the AAC should get ’em for banging round the oggin dropping off kit, single crew as well so no need to train 2 bums for the seats specs here save anyone looking it up
http://www.kamanaero.com/helicopters/kmax/performanceandspecs.html
I like the fact that it can pick up more than it weighs!!
TD and others;
http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=3980&thisSection=military
Interesting, a big UAV at that, but about time! At least we have pleanty of left-ocer airframes to spare.
The significance of this type cargo delivery system is vast. The US Marines thinks it will give them the ability to supply troops in forward foxholes much better and quicker. Light loads lifted to small LZs without overwhelming regard for enemy AAW. When the K-max goes to AFG and if it works out, you are going to see sales to rival the MRAPS.
While remotely piloted vehicles may not be all they are cracked up to be, I certainly hope THIS one works? For the troops sake!