Products
AFS certifies high performance engine
December 3, 2009 By Administrator
Dec. 3, 2009, St. Louis, Missouri – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW139.
Dec. 3, 2009, St. Louis, Miss. – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW139. A welcome equipment addition to this versatile aircraft, this new IBF prevents engine damage in adverse and ramp environments alike. AW139 operators now have the opportunity to realize the proven operating cost reductions and increased operational capabilities an IBF offers.
Donaldson’s Aerospace and Defense Group partnered with AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, to ensure the design of a well engineered system and one that addressed the AW139’s operational requirements. After successful joint development of the IBF for the AW119 series, Donaldson’s engineering department worked closely with AgustaWestland’s technical team to refine the AW139 IBF design.
“Listening to our customers’ needs and providing second-to-none customer support is critical to our team,” commented Mike Scimone, President of AFS. “Responding to operators and AgustaWestland priorities, we came up with a plan to provide an expedited and superior engine protection solution.”
The new AW139 IBF system features low profile conformal fore and aft fairings with dual filter assemblies mounted on the existing engine doors, creating a sealed intake plenum. As with all certified Donaldson IBF’s, the AW139 system includes an alternate inlet air bypass system. This emergency bypass capability is an important IBF feature and is absent in most traditional sand filters and particle separators. A simple compact cockpit switch allows indication and activation of the bypass system. An integral Filter Maintenance Aid also allows for on-condition inspections pre- and post-flight to assist in mission planning and visual inspection of filter condition.
Providing the most comprehensive line of IBF solutions, Donaldson Aerospace and Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through their AFS location, Donaldson provides certified IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, AW119Ke and AW139, Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30) and 429; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, AS350’s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions and MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902. IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW109 Power and Grand, Eurocopter EC135, as well as the Bell 430 and Bell 206L are currently in development.
To learn more about the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense Group, visit www.donaldson.aero or www.afs.donaldson.com.
