Oregon-based aerial application systems manufacturer Simplex, a Dart Aerospace company, 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's Simplex model 370i internal fire attack system (FAS). This AML extension 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 Corporation, Sixtyhawk TC, Skydance Black Hawk Operations, Timberline Helicopters and Unical Aviation.

The model 370i, originally certified for installation and operation on the Timberline Helicopters TC, 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 and requires no modifications to the aircraft structure.

Senior vice president of business development, aerial firefighting Mark Zimmerman states: “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. 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 utilises a single dispersal door that drops water/foam through the cargo hook well. 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 utilises a 1,000 gallon per minute hover refill system and has dual ground fill ports for increased flexibility and safety during ground filling operations.