An unmanned helicopter capable of carrying more than 3,500 pounds of cargo (1.6 tonnes) has begun supplying troops in Afghanistan, US military officials said Thursday. It is hoped the K-MAX, which conducted its maiden flight with cargo in a combat zone on Saturday, will help save lives by reducing the need for vehicle convoys which are often a target of roadside bombs.
The aircraft, deployed by the US Marine Corps, is the service's first unmanned helicopter designed for re-supplying troops in remote locations and aviation experts said it heralded a new era in unmanned flight. "We delivered cargo that was supposed to be delivered by convoy," said Major Kyle O'Connor, of the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1.
"This is a demonstration phase to test the true capabilities of this aircraft and how well it can perform its job in a combat environment." It is understood most of the missions will be undertaken at night and at higher altitudes to keep the aircraft out of small arms range.
The aircraft, developed in a joint venture between Kaman Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, are able to drop supplies accurately, a useful capability in Afghanistan where dusty conditions can make flying and landing more difficult. "It is a milestone, certainly," said Steven Athanas, of Lockheed Martin. "We have delivered a lot of loads in the States during training, testing and evaluation. Now that we have integrated it into the battlespace, we have gone from what you think can happen - to what can happen." The maiden flight saw the helicopter supply troops at Combat Outpost Payne in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.