The Marine Corps is looking for a UAV cargo carrier that can handle the rigors of operation in Afghanistan, and the Boeing A-160T Hummingbird and the Kaman K-MAX. (paid subscription required)

The goal is to be able to carry 750-1000 lbs at a density altitude in excess of 12,000 feet.

Boeing probably has the edge on UAV operations, though Kaman’s partnership with Lockheed-Martin may close the gap on this, but the K-Max has a lot more in the way of flight hours under harsh conditions, both in firefighting and logging operations.

I lean toward Kaman, because with a twin main rotor design, it may handle better in high altitudes, like the Hindu Kush.