K-MAX® Improved Handling Qualities With Cargo Hook Trolley

In addition to providing exceptional lifting performance for many rigorous applications, the K-MAX® was also designed to minimize pilot workload for the repetitive loading cycles of the commercial external lift helicopter market. Both characteristics are essential to the helicopter's acceptability. During 1995, Kaman significantly advanced the helicopter's handling qualities by developing a cargo hook trolley system, Figures 1 through 4. The trolley feature enhances the K-MAX® handling qualities by focusing the external load through the center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft. The improved alignment reduces the offset (moment arm) between the external load vector and the aircraft center of gravity in the lateral plane. This reduced offset decreases the cyclic control necessary to counteract the lateral moment induced on the helicopter by the external load. Pilot workload is greatly reduced by diminishing the necessary adjustments to maintain precise normal aircraft attitudes in hover, forward and sideward flight with an external load.