The new Simplex Fire Attack system has a 480 gallon (1,817 liter) water capacity, and is the lightest belly tank system per gallon of capacity on the market today. The system also has an approved maximum speed of 150 KIAS without the hover pump installed (140 KIAS with hover pump installed),making it the fastest helicopter firefighting belly tank system available to customers worldwide. Other features include a camera system interface to the helicopter’s Multi Function Display (MFD) allowing the pilot to view the door opening and hover pump operation without the use of cargo mirrors. Viewing the door operation and hover pump position on the aircraft MFD enhances safety in firefighting operations.The system also features Simplex’s industry leading door design, which allows wheeled aircraft to carry large amounts of water without risk of door contact with ground. The system is equipped with a foam system and ground handling wheels that facilitate installation in less than 10 minutes.

Mark Zimmerman, President and CEO of Simplex Aerospace commented, “The 326GII Fire Attack system demonstrates the value of aircraft OEMs partnering with mission equipment experts like Simplex to develop mission equipment specifically designed to capture and utilize the unique features of the aircraft, and provide customers with enhanced mission performance”.

The first Japanese sale of the Model 326GII system was installed on the Yokahama Fire Department AW139 by Mitsui Bussan, Simplex’s longtime representative for AgustaWestland products in Japan.

Founded in 1946, Simplex (www.simplex.aero) has built a reputation as the leader in design,manufacturing, and certification of aerial application systems and mission equipment for helicopters.Simplex maintains its industry leadership by incorporating the latest technology in design and manufacturing systems from high-strength, low-weight composite materials to produce reliable and cost-effective  systems for firefighting, agriculture, utilities maintenance and other aerial applications.