Simplex Receives FAA Certification for Aerial Power Line Cleaning System

Jan. 11, 2012
Portland, Oregon, December 15, 2011 -- The Federal Aviation Administration has granted an STC for Simplex Aerospace's new high-pressure power line insulator and windmill cleaning system for the Eurocopter AS350 and 355 helicopter series. The STC, number ...

Portland, Oregon, December 15, 2011 -- The Federal Aviation Administration has granted an STC for Simplex Aerospace's new high-pressure power line insulator and windmill cleaning system for the Eurocopter AS350 and 355 helicopter series. The STC, number SR02207SE issued on 12-15-2011, is the newest product in the company's 65 year history of innovation. The Aerial Cleaning System represents the third generation of aerial cleaning equipment delivering superior performance and value to power utility providers and helicopter operators.

Routine cleaning of power line insulators and windmills significantly enhances power transmission and generation. “This new system from Simplex will allow operators to accomplish the power line and windmill cleaning mission with enhanced productivity and safety”, said Mark Zimmerman, President and CEO of Simplex. “This product represents several years of refinement resulting in the most efficient and effective solution for utility cleaning.”

The Aerial Cleaning system utilizes a 180 gallon water tank mounted beneath the belly of the aircraft significantly increasing operating times between refills. The nozzled boom extends past the rotor tips providing extended washing distance permitting operators to clean hard to reach insulator strings. The power assisted operator control reduces operator fatigue facilitating safer and longer operating days. In total test results show the Aerial Cleaning system delivers three times the productivity of other systems.

Operators and utility providers continue to find new uses for Simplex's versatile washing system. Canadian Helicopters Ltd. purchased the first Aerial Cleaning system for use on the AS350B3 for windmill de-icing operations in Canada.

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 design and manufacturing systems from high-strength, low-weight composite materials to produce cost-effective systems for firefighting and other aerial applications.

Contact:

Darby Simshaw

Marketing Manager

Simplex Manufacturing Co.

13340 NE Whitaker Way

Portland, OR 97230

Phone: +1 503-257-3511

Fax: +1 503-257-3511

www.simplexmfg.com

About the Author

Amy Fischbach | Field Editor

Amy Fischbach is the field editor for the Electric Utility Operations section of Transmission & Distribution World. She worked for Prism Business Media (now Penton) for eight years, most recently as the managing editor of Club Industry's Fitness Business Pro magazine. She is now working as a freelance writer and editor for B2B magazines. Amy earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She serves as the national vice president of the American Society of Business Publication Editors. She can be reached at [email protected].

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