Fertiliser spreading
High-volume aerial topdressing with configurable application rates and practical field adjustment.
Designed and manufactured in Dunedin, New Zealand
Helicopter spreading systems built around the realities of aerial work.
Helispread equipment is developed with agricultural aviation operators and built by Red 1 Fabrication for dependable spreading, practical field adjustment and long service life.
Operator informedDeveloped with input from experienced agricultural helicopter pilots.
New Zealand madeDesigned, fabricated and supported by Red 1 Fabrication at Taieri Airfield.
Field serviceableCommercially available components help simplify maintenance and replacement.
Built for versatilityConfigurable for fertiliser, seed, bait, slurry and specialist applications.
Red 1 Fabrication
A specialist fabrication business with aviation at its centre.
Formally established in 2012, Red 1 Fabrication is the home of Helispread helicopter fertiliser spreading systems and fire fighting equipment. Based at Taieri Airfield near Dunedin, the business combines practical operator feedback with stainless steel, aluminium and steel fabrication.
The aim is straightforward: build equipment that is light enough to fly efficiently, strong enough for demanding work, easy to operate and practical to maintain in the field.
Helispread systems
One platform. Multiple aerial spreading applications.
Helispread systems are designed to handle seed, fertiliser, poison bait and mosquito larvicide, with options for slurry and precision bait work. Load extensions allow one base system to serve different aircraft and job requirements.
Interchangeable orifice plates support repeatable application-rate changes, while product agitators, pneumatic controls and a pre-charged air reservoir help maintain consistent product flow and rapid gate operation.
- Base sizes300, 530 and 1200 litre systems are documented, with other configurations available by discussion.
- ConstructionHigh-grade stainless steel is used to balance strength, corrosion resistance and weight.
- Application controlInterchangeable plates allow operators to set product flow for different rates and materials.
- Pneumatic operationCommercial compressors and air rams are selected for reliability and easier field servicing.
- Ground handlingHanger wheels and tie-down points can make storage, movement and transport more practical.
- MonitoringOptional SPS equipment can monitor spinner operation and hopper contents from the cockpit.
Applications
Designed for more than one kind of job.
Helispread’s modular approach gives operators flexibility across agricultural, environmental and utility work without needing a completely separate base system for every task.
Seed application
Reliable delivery for pasture establishment and aerial seeding work.
Precision bait work
Retrofittable bait-drop options can extend the system into controlled GPS-guided applications.
Slurry spreading
Quick-fit options can adapt selected systems for slurry and liquid-heavy products.
Mosquito larvicide
Configurable for specialist environmental control and low-volume granular products.
Mixed fleets
Load extensions and capacity choices help one product family work across different aircraft and payload needs.
Engineering details
Built to keep operators flying, not waiting on parts.
Helispread uses practical, serviceable design choices including commercially available compressors, automotive bearings and robust pneumatic components. The result is equipment that can be maintained without relying on unnecessarily specialised parts.
- Precision-machined hub with replaceable automotive bearings
- Pre-charged air reservoir for rapid hopper-gate response
- Product agitators to support consistent material flow
- Certified nylon flexi-rope to reduce lifting shock
- Optional SPS cockpit warning and GPS logging integration
- Load extensions for different aircraft and job sizes
- Transport tie-down points built into the system
- High-quality stainless, aluminium and steel fabrication
From discussion to delivery
Built around the aircraft, the product and the work.
A successful spreading system starts before fabrication. Payload, product density, application rate, swath width, airspeed, fuel burn and servicing expectations all help shape the final specification.
Understand the operation
Discuss aircraft, products, typical loads and operating conditions.
Specify the system
Select capacity, controls, extensions, monitoring and supporting equipment.
Fabricate and assemble
Build the system in stainless steel and fit practical, serviceable components.
Deliver and support
Provide an operator-ready system with ongoing parts and technical support.
Gallery
Helispread equipment
Aerial fire fighting
Fire buckets and foam systems developed for repeatable aerial operations.
Helispread fire equipment brings together collapsible buckets, foam storage and dosing controls to help operators manage water drops and chemical delivery with less handling around the aircraft.
Collapsible fire buckets
Free-standing designs support straightforward filling, transport and deployment. Confirm current capacity options when ordering.
Adjustable drop control
Multi-drop and adjustable-pattern configurations can be discussed to suit aircraft and operating requirements.
Protected foam storage
Sealed foam bags are designed to keep corrosive chemicals separated from the aircraft and bucket structure.
Handheld foam timer
A removable timer provides repeatable dosing without a permanent cockpit installation.
Cockpit-mounted timer
A wired installation provides simple in-flight adjustment and controlled chemical dosing.
Retrofit and custom work
Foam equipment and supporting hardware can be assessed for existing buckets and operator-specific requirements.
Testimonials
Trusted by working helicopter operators
“The bucket is performing perfectly and has exceeded our expectations in terms of quality of manufacture and ease of operation.”
Ken Gorman, Rotor Solutions Australia
“The Helispread bucket allows a comfortable load capacity and the build quality is top notch, showing through in looks and handling.”
Paul Williams, Highland Helicopters
“They are an innovative company always looking for ways to make our gear more effective and our job easier.”
Jak Elliott, Heliventures NZ
FAQs
Common questions
What sizes are available?
Standard Helispread sizes include 300, 530, 800 and 1200 litre buckets, with other sizes custom built to suit operator requirements.
What are the buckets made from?
Helispread buckets are constructed from high grade stainless steel for a strong, lightweight and long-life build.
Can capacity be increased later?
Yes. Helispread buckets can be adapted with extensions. For example, a 300 litre bucket can be extended to 500 litre capacity.
Are slurry attachments available?
Yes. Helispread buckets are suitable for slurry with a low cost, quick fit attachment.
What products can a Helispread system apply?
Depending on its configuration, a Helispread system can be used for fertiliser, seed, bait, slurry and mosquito larvicide. The intended product and application rate should be discussed before the bucket is specified.
How are application rates adjusted?
Interchangeable tapered choking discs allow operators to change product flow in the field without tools. The appropriate disc and spinner setup depends on the product and required application rate.
Are custom bucket sizes available?
Yes. Standard capacities cover common operator requirements, while custom sizes and configurations can be discussed for specific aircraft and applications.
Where is Helispread based?
Helispread is built by Red 1 Fabrication at Taieri Airfield, Dukes Road Entrance, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand.
Can one Helispread system be used on different aircraft?
Load extensions and different base capacities can help one product family serve multiple aircraft. The correct configuration depends on payload, hook limits, product density and the work being undertaken.
Are replacement parts difficult to source?
The systems are designed around commercially available components wherever practical, including compressors and bearings, helping reduce downtime and simplify field servicing.
Can Helispread help with job planning?
Application rate, swath width, payload, airspeed and fuel burn all affect job productivity. These factors can be discussed when specifying a system for your operation.
Do you supply operators outside New Zealand?
Helispread equipment is used by operators in New Zealand, Australia and Worldwide. Contact Red 1 Fabrication to discuss freight, support and suitability for other markets.
Built around your operation
Talk through the aircraft, product and application before choosing a system.
Capacity is only one part of the decision. Product type, motor size, spinner setup, controls, handling requirements and optional monitoring equipment all affect the best configuration.
Discuss your requirementsContact
Talk with Dave about the right system for your operation
Tell us about your aircraft, intended products, typical payloads and the kind of work you undertake. Red 1 Fabrication can help identify the most practical spreading, fire or custom-fabrication approach.
Red 1 Fabrication / Helispread027 870 3344
Taieri Airfield, Dukes Road Entrance
Mosgiel
New Zealand