Kaman Helicopters restructures; names new product group GMs

The Helicopters Division of Kaman Aerospace Corporation have announced that it has reorganised around product groups, with newly appointed general managers for each.

"The reorganisation, effective immediately, is intended to support aggressive business goals and a more strategic approach to achieving growth and sales," said Sal Bordonaro, Helicopters Division President.

• Tim Bates has been named general manager of the Blade Center of Excellence and Subcontract Product Group. Bates, who previously served as Director of Operations, will focus solely on developing and growing all aspects of blade business and managing the existing aircraft subcontract efforts. Innovation in helicopter composite rotor blade technology is a rapidly growing business at the Kaman Helicopter HeliworX full-service aerospace innovation and manufacturing support center.

• Terry Fogarty has been appointed general manager for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Group. Fogarty has managed a range of programs in the Helicopters Division, most recently its K-MAX and UAS development efforts as Director of K-MAX programs. The UAS group, in conjunction with its partner, Lockheed Martin, (Team K-MAX) has a significant business opportunity and is currently preparing an unmanned K-MAX for a crucial demonstration flight. This demonstration will be followed by an RFP that could pave the way for an initial contract award from the U.S. Marines.

• Bob Manaskie, who previously served as manager, SH-2 Programs, has been named general manager of the Helicopter Aftermarket Group. In his new capacity, Manaskie is responsible for leading aftermarket activities in the Division, including the K-MAX program requirement.

• John Shelanskas has been named Acting Director of the Operations support organization.
"The product group general managers will be responsible for all aspects of their business, including business development, revenue generation, and profits," Bordonaro said. "This is our path to profitable growth and a very exciting future."