Flown for the first time in the Spring of 1958, the K-17 is the product of U.S. Army and Kaman cooperation. The helicopter is a cold tip jet system; the engine sends compressed air to the tip-jet nozzles. The main rotor is flap controlled and the ducted tail rotor is controlled by hydraulic power, allowing change in direction.
Source: Alex, Ralph P. "Helicopters from 'A to Z', Part III". American Helicopter Society Newsletter, Vol. 7, 1961. Page 5.
Design authority: Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Primary manufacturer: Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Parent type: No type defined
Aircraft status: No longer flying
VTOL type: Helicopter
Lift devices: 1 Single main rotor
Dedicated control device: 1 Fenestron/Shrouded tail rotor
Crew required: 2 in Side-by-side arrangement
Landing gear: Skids