K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter's Use In Afghanistan Has Been Extended

US Marines Extend K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter's Use In Afghanistan -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The U.S. Marine Corps has extended indefinitely its use of two unmanned K-MAX heavy lift helicopters in Afghanistan, a Navy spokeswoman said, noting the aircraft kept re-supply trucks off the road and reduced the threat of roadside bombs.

The Marine Corps sent the new autonomous helicopters, which were developed by Lockheed Martin Corp and privately-held Kaman Aerospace, to Afghanistan in November 2011 for an initial, limited deployment, but has extended their use several times.

Now, Naval Air Systems Command has decided to continue using the aircraft indefinitely, said Jamie Cosgrove, a spokeswoman for the Navy command, which also oversees Marine Corps aircraft.

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Update #1: Love Letters To Robots: Why Marines Extended K-MAX In Afghanistan (EXCLUSIVE) -- Aol Defense
Update #2: K-MAX to Stay in Afghanistan Until the 2014 Withdrawal -- Defense Update

My Comment: Check out the above video .... it is impressive.

The Use Of Robot Helicopters Growing In War Zones

Robot Helicopters Help Out In War Zones -- FOX News

A robotic helicopter has been quietly busy resupplying Marines on the battlefield and in remote locations in Afghanistan.

Truck re-supply convoys and their military escorts are frequently the target of improvised explosive devises and insurgent attacks; by replacing the traditional truck convoy, the unmanned K-MAX has already reduced the risk to U.S. forces by thousands of hours.

K-max's airdrops provide a safe, low-cost supply delivery method to get important medical equipment and food to troops. On Dec. 17, 2011, K-MAX became the first unmanned helicopter to fly a resupply mission, delivering approximately 3,500 pounds of cargo to Afghanistan.

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My Comment: It will not surprise if these robot helicopters will become even more important and vital in supply missions of the future.