Simplex Aerosapce Celebrates 70 years of Aviation Mission Equipment Innovation

Portland, OR, USA – March 14, 2016

      The year 2016 marks the 70^th anniversary of aviation mission equipment leader, Simplex Aerospace. Since entering the agricultural spray market in 1946, Simplex has grown into an internationally renowned aerospace technology company specializing in the design, manufacturing and certification of aerial application equipment. With over 185 FAA and international certifications, 23 international representatives, and five service centers Simplex has become the preferred partner for helicopter OEM’s, governments, and private operators worldwide.

     While agricultural application equipment remains one of the company’s strongest markets, Simplex has diversified its offerings with the introduction of several new and innovative product lines. Since entering the aerial firefighting market in the early 1990’s, Simplex has expanded its fleet of helicopter Fire Attack™ belly tanks with models for most major OEM platforms. Most recently, Simplex delivered a brand new 4,000 liter, Fire Attack™ System to the Chinese helicopter manufacturer, Avicopter. In addition Simplex recently certified a 3,050 gallon Fire Attack™ system for Boeing CH-47D Chinook. With the danger of wild land fires continuing to rise around the world, Simplex is committed to working closely with OEM’s and operators to produce durable, safe, and efficient fire fighting systems specifically designed and matched to their aircraft’s capabilities.

     Recognizing the need for a safer, more efficient method for cleaning power line insulators and wind mill blades, Simplex introduced a new generation power line and windmill cleaning and de-icing spray systems in 2008. Aerial Cleaning and De-Icing Systems were certified for the Bell 407 (Model 508) in 2008, and for the AS350 & 355 series (Model 510) in 2012. These highly productive systems have been delivered to operators in the United States, Canada, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa and Angola.

     In 2009, Simplex began developing a rapid response horizontal spray system, nicknamed the SkyCannon™, for combating fires in high rise buildings. Mark Zimmerman, President and CEO of Simplex Aerospace explained, “The SkyCannon™ is a rapid response skyscraper firefighting system with the capabilities of a ground based fire truck.” The SkyCannon™ allows aerial firefighters to arrive at the fire quickly free of traffic congestion and prevent the fire from spreading as ground firefighting crews combat the fire from within the building providing occupants valuable time to evacuate. To date Simplex has produced SkyCannon™ systems for the Avicopter AC313 and the H225, and the company plans to adapt the system to additional aircraft platforms in the future.

     When asked how the company has maintained its competitive edge over so many years, Mark Zimmerman commented, “Customers recognize Simplex as a trusted source of certified, reliable, high quality systems backed by a state of the art on-site engineering and customer service staff. Our customers know they can count on us to keep them in the air performing their missions. That is a responsibility every Simplex employee takes very seriously.”

     When asked about Simplex’s future, Mark Zimmerman commented, “Simplex Aerospace will continue to grow at an accelerated pace over the next decade driven by new innovative aerial mission equipment focused on the unmet needs of aircraft operators worldwide.”

     Founded in 1946, Simplex 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 designing 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. For more information, please visit our website www.simplex.aero.