News
DART’s Simplex receives FAA certification for fire system
October 30, 2019 By Helicopters Staff
DART describes the Simplex Model 370i as the first and only FAA-certified internal FAS for the Black Hawk helicopter. (Photo: DART Aerospace) Simplex, a company recently acquired by DART Aerospace, has received FAA approval for the Approved Models List (AML) extension of its STC SR02657SE. This certification applies to the UH-60/S-70 Black Hawk helicopter’s Simplex Model 370i Internal Fire Attack System (FAS).
This AML extension, explains DART, adds 11 eligible UH-60/S-70 Type Certificates (TCs) to the existing STC, bringing the total to 12 UH-60/S-70 TCs that are now approved for operation with the Simplex Model 370i FAS. The complete AML extension includes 12 TCs from the following customers: ACE Aeronautics, BHI H60 Helicopters, Billings Flying Service, Carson Helicopters, High Performance Helicopters, Pickering Aviation, PJ Helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft, Sixtyhawk TC, Skydance Black Hawk Operations, Timberline Helicopters, and Unical Aviation.
DART states the Model 370i, originally certified for installation and operation on the TC of Timberline Helicopters, is the first and only FAA-certified internal FAS for the Black Hawk helicopter. The system was developed primarily for restricted category civil aerial firefighting operators, according to the company, and requires no modifications to the aircraft structure.
“With this AML amendment, the Simplex-DART team has expanded the reach of the 370i FAS to the entire fleet of known Civil Type Certified Black Hawks,” said Mark Zimmerman, senior VP of business development, aerial firefighting, DART. “More Black Hawk operators now have the ability to use their equipped helicopters with this Fire Attack System to save lives and property at risk from the escalating global wildland fire crisis.”
The Model 370i is a 900-gallon internal tank system that utilizes a single dispersal door that drops water/foam through the cargo hook well. DART explains the internal tank system is made from a proprietary lightweight composite matrix that provides superior corrosion and fatigue resistance compared to metal tanks. The tank utilizes a 1000 gallon per minute hover refill system and has dual ground fill ports for increased flexibility and safety during ground filling operations.
