Kaman Air Vehicles has been issued with a type certificate for the Kaman K-1200 K-MAX helicopter by the Agencia Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) in Brazil. Kaman has been marketing the K-MAX helicopter to various Brazilian operators, power line, oil and gas firms, and engineering companies over the past two years, and this certification clears the path for K-MAX operations in Brazil.

“The K-MAX is ideally suited for operations throughout the country of Brazil,” states Roger Wassmuth, senior director of business development. “We believe the K-MAX offers a cost-effective value proposition for infrastructure building of much needed power lines.”

“Kaman's engineering team, working in conjunction with the FAA Boston office and the ANAC offices, worked diligently to provide technical and operational information on the K-MAX, and we are pleased that this important milestone has been realised,” adds Darlene Smith, VP and GM of the Kaman Air Vehicles division.

The K-MAX is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimised for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) with unmatched performance in hot and high conditions.