This article is based on an official press release from DART Aerospace.

DART Aerospace Secures TCCA Certification for Enhanced Fire Attack System on Medium Bell Helicopters

On April 29, 2026, DART Aerospace announced the receipt of a new Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH26-18. According to the official press release, this certification approves a series of critical operational and safety enhancements to the company’s Fire Attack System Model 304, a specialized belly-mounted aerial firefighting system.

The newly certified upgrades are specifically engineered for Medium Bell helicopters, including the Bell 205, 212, 412, AB412, and UH-1H models. By modernizing this legacy equipment, DART Aerospace aims to improve pilot safety, increase mission flexibility, and enable round-the-clock wildfire suppression capabilities.

As global wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe, the demand for advanced aerial firefighting technology has accelerated. We at AirPro News recognize this certification as a significant step in equipping existing helicopter fleets with modern, high-efficiency suppression tools directly from the manufacturers.

Modernizing Aerial Firefighting Capabilities

The Fire Attack System Model 304 features a belly-mounted carbon fiberglass tank capable of holding 1,420 liters (375 gallons) of water or 114 liters (30 gallons) of foam retardant. The recent TCCA certification introduces several modernizations to this legacy system, directly addressing the evolving needs of aerial firefighting operators.

Night Operations and Hover Refills

One of the most critical enhancements approved under STC SH26-18 is the ability to perform unaided night hover refills. According to the company’s specifications, the system now allows operators to safely refill the water tank while hovering over a water source at night without the need for external visual aids. Furthermore, the certification includes an improved stowable hover pump kit, which increases the efficiency and reliability of drafting water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.

Enhancing Pilot Safety with Integrated Controls

Aerial firefighting remains a high-stress, high-risk operation, often requiring pilots to fly at low altitudes in turbulent conditions. To address these hazards, DART Aerospace has integrated the emergency jettison switch directly into the helicopter’s primary flight controls.

The emergency release mechanism allows pilots to instantly drop the water or retardant load in an emergency without removing their hands from the flight controls.

This integration ensures that if a helicopter experiences an engine failure or a sudden downdraft, the pilot can instantly shed over 3,000 pounds of water weight to regain lift, maintaining a continuous physical connection to the aircraft’s steering.

Extending the Lifespan of Legacy Fleets

Medium Bell helicopters, such as the UH-1H “Huey” and the Bell 212, have long served as the historic workhorses of the aerial firefighting industry. However, replacing these aging airframes with entirely new aircraft is often prohibitively expensive for operators and fire agencies.

By certifying modern, high-tech enhancements for these older airframes, DART Aerospace provides a cost-effective pathway for operators to modernize their existing fleets. The enhanced Fire Attack System Model 304 is currently available directly through DART Aerospace, allowing operators to upgrade their capabilities ahead of upcoming fire seasons.

AirPro News analysis

Based on our review of the industry landscape and the provided research data, this certification highlights the strategic value of DART Aerospace’s past acquisitions. The Fire Attack System Model 304 was originally developed by Simplex Aerospace, a Portland, Oregon-based company with a 70-year history in aerial application systems. In October 2019, DART Aerospace acquired Simplex Aerospace, absorbing its portfolio of over 200 international product certifications.

Founded in 1975 in Montreal, Canada, DART Aerospace recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. The company has grown to employ over 600 people across facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the UK, holding over 2,000 STCs and supporting more than 5,000 aircraft worldwide. We view the successful integration and modernization of Simplex’s legacy firefighting technology as a testament to DART’s continued growth and its commitment to addressing the global climate and wildfire crisis. Furthermore, the push for 24/7 firefighting capabilities, capitalizing on lower nighttime temperatures and higher humidity, makes the unaided night hover refill feature a vital tool for modern fire agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What aircraft are compatible with the enhanced Fire Attack System Model 304?

According to the TCCA STC SH26-18 certification, the system is compatible with Medium Bell helicopters, specifically the Bell 205, 212, 412, AB412, and UH-1H models.

What is the capacity of the Model 304 tank?

The belly-mounted carbon fiberglass tank holds 1,420 liters (375 gallons) of water or 114 liters (30 gallons) of foam retardant.

Why is the integrated emergency jettison switch important?

It allows pilots to instantly drop over 3,000 pounds of water weight during an emergency (such as engine failure or downdrafts) without taking their hands off the primary flight controls, significantly improving safety.

Sources

• DART Aerospace