K-MAX Intermeshing Rotors Helicopter Startup & Takeoff

The Kaman K-1200 K-MAX is an American built intermeshing rotors helicopter. It is a very rare helicopter with only somewhat over 50 manufactured so far. It was exclusively designed for transporting loads of up to 2'700 kg (6,000 lb). The beautiful and impressive K-MAX HB-ZTW of Rotex Helicopter is seen starting-up and taking-off at Heliport Bern in Switzerland on a cold winter day.

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Video Editing Software: Final Cut Express and iMovie
Camera: Sony RX10 IV

[paullangford]

For some reason, the Flettner rotor system is aerodynamically stable in hover, unlike all other helicopters; and it takes input from the pilot to do anything else. The contra-rotating and intermeshing rotors balance the rotational forces, so no power is wasted on a tail rotor. The K-Max uses servo-tabs for control of the blade pitch, so no hydraulic system is required.

[waldevv]

I only heard of intermeshing rotors a few moments ago and I was blown away on how they made something like that work. Obviously it clearly works but I couldn't believe my eyes at first. Very cool

[FredtheDorfDorfman]

T53 sounds so sweet during spool up. He lifted up, sat back down, started slowing the engine, and I immediately thought of Sam and Grandpa in “The Lost Boys” when Grandpa started the car, then turned it off, Sam asks “I thought we were going into town?” Grandpa said “That’s as close to town as I like to get.” 😂

[FlightFrames]

Great catch Matt! The K-MAX is such an interesting helicopter and the intermeshing rotors make for a unique sound.

[anniehorses]

Even with the slow startup, I still can't imagine how the blades work with each other. Very cool design.

[gretchenchadwick]

My special needs son really likes that helicopter 🚁 says its very unique in design and we both agree that it looks like a dragonfly!

[aestheticcruise]

Wow! Never thought that design existed til now. It seems to show better stability than a coaxial configuration.

[MarcusRefusius]

They were using one here at Sequoia Park last year for the KNP Complex Fire. We’re just outside the park. We had quite an Airshow for a month and a half. That KMAX sounds very unique echoing through the Canyon.

[sublime_tv]

It even sounds different when flying away. Looks like some sort of dragonfly. Still makes me very anxious lol.

[hugodesrosiers-plaisance]

"Warning. Approach from front."
Yeah, no shit. Those rotors are seriously impressive, and they dip impressively far down on the sides. Very interesting machine.

[JetFalcon]

I swear those rotors are what anxiety looks like for aircraft people. It's really cool and I have no doubt it works super well, but •~•

[brucepace]

Great video Matt! And what a unique bird! No tail rotor and the intermeshing blades are fascinating. $7 million plus but a real workhorse. Thank you and Merry Christ to you and your family, Matt!

[cpawp]

So great this concept - Merry Christmas and a happy new Year!

[TheHDAviation]

What an awesome catch Matt, that is a helicopter I have wanted to film for a long time. I've seen a couple passing through CZNL over the years, but they always manage to sneak away before I get there to catch them. Great footage of this super unique machine!

[LostButMakingGoodTime]

The setting back down and rolling off the throttles briefly was interesting… “I think I can, I think I can…”

[inselvideo]

Der sieht ja sehr ungewöhnlich aus. Toller Fang von Dir! Daumen hoch und alles Gute für 2021! Gruss inselvideo!

[bikersoncall]

I'm amazed that it was designed to carry 6000lbs, doesn't
seem possible for a craft this size, I guess the twin main-rotors
is a big (that and the power plant) part of that capacity.

[imsrini]

Nice ! How does this thing pirouette though ( at 03:17 ) without a tail rotor ? 🤔

[SOUTHENDAVIATION]

Man that's such a cool heli! We just had this same one arrive at SEN yesterday! If it comes in again (which it should do on it's way back to Basel) I'll try get some footage of it, they sound wicked! Great catch!

[javierjosechavezbenitez]

Splendour of the rotary wing, Matt! What a Christmas gift!
Love that exclusive chopper for what it is: proof that eccentric, unorthodox thinking actually works. Witness those rotors.
Wish You a Magnificent Christmas and a Happy New Year full of Joy, Health and Well-being! CHEERS! God bless You!