Kaman K-MAX:
Yesterday, I was watching Loudermilk on FreeTV (formerly IMDb TV). I heard something that sounded like it could have been a heavily-loaded diesel locomotive or even a steam engine on a nearby rail line. But then the sound diverged from where the tracks are. I called up an ADS-B tracking site and found out that it was a Kaman K-MAX.
The trees are all leafed out and I couldn't see it, but I sure would have liked to.
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3 comments:
They do make a lot more noise than they look like. Catch the wind just right sound like a Vertol (little shithook). Kind of a harbinger of designs to come, particularly in the electric MAV market, they're really popular right now with logging and light lifts. I wouldn't mind putting a few minutes in on one but there's no one there to back me up if I fowl up!
Since you brought it up ;), I've been fascinated with the MAVs (Manned Aero Vehicles) coming online and while the hundred-thousand-dollar (minimum) price tag is bothersome I don't see where if I could single source the infrastructure, the batteries, rotors and motors, but what I could build one out of PVC pipe.
You can bank I'd keep it under five hundred ...
The K-Max is not the fastest on the block because the intermeshing rotors put it always in granny gear. Stable in hover, too.That's why a 5,800 lb helicopter can dead lift 6,000 lbs.
It would be interesting to see one scaled up, possibly with a pair front and rear with enough vertical standoff, ala Sh!thook.
Talked to an old AF airport fire suppression pilot, Kamen Husky(?),
said it was used local only because of slow cruise speed, medevac etc missions being flown by bigger faster aircraft.
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