News
AFS Certifies High Performance Engine Inlet Filter

Jan. 5, 2010 , St. Louis, Mo., – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS), and a division of the Aerospace & Defense group, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the Bell 430 helicopter. With this new IBF solution, Bell 430 fleet operators will quickly realize a return on their investment through reduced operating costs along with enhanced performance and expanded operational capabilities.

The IBF system includes the following features:

Sealed intake plenum on each engine intake with integral filter elements that replace the inlet screens or internal particle separator; Unique intake bypass system not available with the certified 430 particle separator;
Simple compact cockpit switch, common with all our certified systems, allows indication and activation of the bypass system; Integral Filter Maintenance Aid allows for on-condition inspections between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service–filter service cycle is required at 300 flight hours or one year with each filter capable of 15 service cycles (4,500 flight hours) or possibly sooner if operating in high sand/dust content adverse environment conditions; and Performance operation to the basic inlet charts providing operators additional capability while maintaining maximum engine protection.

To achieve the certification, AFS worked in partnership with a large offshore energy exploration operator who assisted in the flight test development program. “We are eager to support customers’ needs. Operators worldwide have contacted us requesting assistance in improving engine protection for their 430 helicopters,” said Robert Stenberg, Business Development Director for AFS. “Our Bell 430 system can help offshore, corporate, helicopter emergency medical services and other operators reduce the likelihood of engine damage from foreign object debris, salt-spray corrosion and other contaminants, offering a better solution than currently available.”

Providing the most comprehensive line of IBF solutions, Donaldson Aerospace & 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), 429 and 430; 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 206L are currently in development.

Visit Donaldson at the upcoming Heli-Expo 2010 in Houston, Tex., February 21-23, 2010.

For more information visit www.donaldson.aero or www.afs.donaldson.com .