Kaman Aerosystems entered into an agreement with Rainier Heli International under which Rainier will offer K-MAX leasing solutions to customers. Rainier specializes in providing lease and lease-to-purchase programs tailored to meet the specific needs of helicopter operators.

“Rainier has operated a K-MAX in the U.S. and abroad, performing fire-fighting and utility missions for more than 20 years,” Lon Halvorson, CEO of Rainier, said. “As a current owner operator of multiple helicopters, we understand the outstanding value proposition K-MAX offers to the external lift market, including firefighting and power line construction.”

“We are very pleased that Rainier has decided to invest in the future success of the K-MAX program with this important milestone,” Roger Wassmuth, senior director of Business Development, said. “We expect this partnership will allow us to further penetrate emerging markets around the world with new production aircraft through a new financing alternative.”

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