Small helicopter could find niche in remote heavy lift operations
A new helicopter specifically designed for external vertical lift operations, such as moving transportable rig components or seismic equipment in remote locations, operates more efficiently than most other medium or heavy-lift helicopters, according to manufacturer Kaman Aerospace. The single-pilot helicopter was designed as an aerial truck for efficient lifting of heavy loads but with the operating costs of a light-lift craft. The K-Max helicopter can lift more pounds of cargo per gallon of fuel consumed than other similar helicopters, according to Kaman. For example, to transport a 5,000-lb load at an elevation of 8,000 ft, the K-Max helicopter consumes 85 gal of fuel/hr. Under the same load conditions, the next most efficient commercially available helicopter consumes 160 gal of fuel/hr and requires two pilots. The 4,500-lb helicopter can lift 5,000 lb to an altitude of 8,000 ft or about 6,000 lb at low altitudes.
- OSTI ID:
- 5450066
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:8; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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320201* -- Energy Conservation
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& Utilization-- Transportation-- Air & Aerospace
42 ENGINEERING
420205 -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
AIRCRAFT
COST
DESIGN
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLING RIGS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
FUEL CONSUMPTION
HELICOPTERS
MATERIALS HANDLING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
REMOTE AREAS
SEISMIC ARRAYS
SEISMIC DETECTORS
WEIGHT