Kaman Aerospace has opened a new customer service centre to support both its K-MAX and SH-2 Super Seasprite customers, and has also inaugurated a K-MAX flight training device (FTD). The new facility is located on Kaman's Bloomfield, Connecticut campus and replaces and consolidates legacy Kaman customer service accommodations.

The K-MAX Level 5 FTD is fully operational and ready for pilot transition training. It will be incorporated into the K-MAX initial and recurrent flight training syllabus. The FTD, which is housed in the customer service centre, was designed, manufactured and installed by entrol of Spain. entrol develops and manufactures aircraft FNPT and FTD simulators and devices designed to CS-FSTD and FAA FTD directives. The customer service centre also houses the K-MAX customer service team, Kaman pilot offices, training space and office space for customers while they are on site.

“Given our increased levels of pilot training the simulator will be an effective tool to cost-effectively enrich the pilot training experience,” says vice president and general manager, air vehicles division Darlene Smith. “In addition, we are very proud of the new customer service centre, which brings together under one roof a number of customer support functions. We look forward to providing a higher level of service and support for customers of both of our aircraft platforms.”

Development of the K-MAX aircraft was led by Kaman founder and former CEO, aviation pioneer Charlie H Kaman, and received FAA certification in 1994. The K-MAX is a rugged low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimised for cyclical, external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg). The SH-2 Super Seasprite is a naval maritime aircraft with an existing fleet in service with nations around the world.