Precision Lift of Baker City, Oregon, has placed its second order for a K-MAX helicopter in twelve months.

“The versatility and reliability of our first K-MAX provided substantial value to our operations when combined with our existing fleet of Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft. Adding a second K-MAX will significantly expand our offering of cost effective firefighting assets with unique high density altitude performance for state agencies and the U.S. Forest Service to combat fires,” states David McCarty president and owner of Precision Lift.

This brings the total number of firm orders since the relaunch of K-MAX production to eleven units. “We have many operators that own multiple K-MAX aircraft and we are excited to welcome Precision Lift to that list. Our operators continue to value the capabilities of the K-MAX when expanding their fleet size. The interest we have seen for the aircraft provides us confidence as we move forward with Lots II and III, where we plan to produce ten additional units,” says Darlene Smith, VP and GM, air vehicles and maintenance, repair and overhaul division.

Development of the K-MAX was led by Kaman founder and former CEO, aviation pioneer Charlie H. Kaman, and received Federal Aviation Administration certification in 1994. The single-engine, single-seat K-MAX is a rugged low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimised for external load operations and designed specifically for vertical reference flight. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).