Pressure Washer Mounted On Eurocopters Designed For Hosing Down Wind Turbines

The FAA has granted an STC for Simplex Aerospace’s new power line insulator and windmill cleaning system for the Eurocopter AS350 and 355 series. The STC, number SR02207SE issued on 12-15-2011, is the newest product in the company’s 65 year history of innovation.

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, which represents the third generation of aerial cleaning equipment, utilizes a 180 gallon water tank 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. (Image provided by Simplex)

FMI: www.simplexmfg.com