OWEGO, N.Y., July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After lifting
more than 4.5 million pounds of cargo and conducting thousands of
delivery missions for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Lockheed Martin
(NYSE: LMT) and Kaman Aerospace Corporation (NYSE: KAMN) K-MAX
cargo unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has returned to the United States following a nearly
three-year deployment in Afghanistan.
In 2011, K-MAX became the first unmanned helicopter to deliver
cargo in theater for the U.S. Marine Corps. As troops were frequent
targets of improvised explosive devices and insurgent attacks, the
K-MAX answered the call to reduce the number of truck resupply
convoys and their troop escorts to protect soldiers on the
ground.
Manufactured by Kaman Aerospace Corporation and outfitted with
its mission package of systems and sensors, the heavy-lifting K-MAX
UAS is a transformational technology that can lift 6,000 pounds of
cargo at sea level. Capable of flying delivery missions day and
night, K-MAX can reach remote locations without risking a life.
"We are proud to welcome home the unmanned K-MAX Team from their
successful deployment in theater," said Dan
Spoor, vice president of Aviation and Unmanned Systems at
Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "K-MAX
exceeded expectations as an unmanned platform in keeping our troops
out of harm's way, and we continue to develop onboard technology
and autonomy for future military and civil missions."
With more than five decades experience in unmanned and robotic
systems, Lockheed Martin offers multiple solutions for air, land
and sea. From the depths of the ocean to the rarified air of the
stratosphere, Lockheed Martin's unmanned systems help our military,
civil and commercial customers accomplish their most difficult
challenges.
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for
2013 were $45.4 billion.
For additional information about K-MAX, visit
our website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/kmax.html
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin