Aerial application provider Simplex Aerospace has received a Validation of Supplemental Type Certificate (VSTC) from the Chinese aviation authorities for its Fire Attack system intended for use on the Bell 412. The approval makes it the first FAA STC validated for aerial firefighting in China. In the U.S., the STC on the system is valid for all medium Bell helicopters, and the company expects that eventually to be true in China as well.

During the past two years, the Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer has added new functionality to the Model 304 system, such as the ability to carry passengers with the hover refill pump installed. According to Simplex, with the addition of its new stowable hover pump latch aft hook, operators are permitted the flexibility to stow the aerial refill pump and carry passengers, making it the only helicopter firefighting system to offer such multi-mission capability.

The model 304 is the largest designed for Bell medium helicopters, with a 375-gallon water- and foam-carrying capacity, and it can quickly be installed and removed with no required airframe alterations. According to company president and CEO Mark Zimmerman, the 304 Fire Attack system is the only one available for the medium Bell family that is approved by the FAA for use in night operations. Other features include selectable drop patterns, multiple drop capability and automatic emergency water drop in the event of an engine failure.