Kaman Corporation’s aerosystems division is to continue production of the commercial K-MAX utility helicopter. The company resumed K-MAX production in 2015 after a hiatus that lasted more than a decade with a commitment to build at least ten new aircraft.

“Continued demand and interest in the capabilities of the K-MAX have provided us with the confidence to extend production into 2019 at a minimum,” says Kaman president Greg Steiner. “This is great news for operators who need the K-MAX to perform their repetitive lift missions cost-effectively. Our team has assessed the global market and is working with potential and existing customers to secure additional orders for our K-MAX helicopter.”

Orders for new K-MAX aircraft have thus far come from Europe, China and North America. Development of the aircraft was led by Kaman founder and former CEO Charles H Kaman, and the type received FAA certification in 1994.