Donaldson Receives FAA Approval for Only Inlet Barrier Filter System Available for Airbus EC130T2 Helicopter Engines
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 18, 2015 – Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the only Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system available for the Airbus Helicopters EC130T2 helicopter. This new IBF helps prevent engine damage in all environments and is approved for year-round operations. EC130T2 operators can now benefit from reduced operating costs via industry leading engine protection, without experiencing performance penalties.
Developed with the assistance of helicopter operators, the EC130T2 IBF features interchangeable filter elements for mixed fleet operators currently flying EC130 and AS350B3e aircraft equipped with Donaldson IBF systems.
“We are very appreciative of the support from longtime partner Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and their fine helicopter tour program,” said Donaldson Aerospace Key Account Director Robert Stenberg. “It is a pleasure working with operators who recognize both the importance of IBF engine protection and our team’s dedication in producing high quality aerospace products.”
The new Donaldson IBF system features a sealed intake plenum that replaces inlet screens or less effective sand filter/particle separators. Design of the EC130T2 IBF utilizes the existing cowl with minimal modification, including incorporation of an aft-facing bypass system. The filter and bypass system are flush with the upper surface of the cowling, utilizing an internal bypass plenum. An emergency bypass capability is an important Donaldson IBF feature that is lacking in most traditional sand filters and particle separators.
All electrical components are easily accessed from inside the cowling with minimal effort. A simple compact cockpit switch, common with existing Donaldson IBF systems, allows indication and activation of the bypass system. As with all Donaldson certified IBFs, an integral Filter Maintenance Aid allows for on-condition inspections between established service intervals, eliminating unnecessary filter servicing. The flat filter design allows for quick removal and easy service.
Donaldson introduced IBFs to the helicopter market 12 years ago. Since then, Donaldson IBFs have been installed with regulatory approval on AgustaWestland AW109E/S/SPs, AW119 Koalas, AW119Kes and AW139s; Bell 205A1s, 206Bs, 206L-3/4s, 206L-1(C30)s, 230s, 429s and 430s; Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopter) EC130s, AS350B/BA/B1/B2/B3/B3es, AS350s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; and MD Helicopters MD 369Hs, MD 500s and MD 900/902s.
To learn more about the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense group, visit www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com.
About Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense Group
Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense Group is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems for the aerospace and defense industry. Our filtration solutions protect fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, military ground vehicles, electronic equipment, space vehicles, missiles, military shipboard systems and amphibious vehicles. We are committed to advancing filtration technology and providing quality products and prompt customer service. Our group serves customers from sales, engineering and manufacturing locations around the world.
About Donaldson Company
Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems that improve people’s lives, enhance our Customers’ equipment performance and protect our environment. We are a technology-driven Company committed to satisfying our Customers’ needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development, application expertise and global presence. Our 12,700 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 140 sales, manufacturing and distribution locations around the world.
Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 and Russell 1000 indices, and our shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol DCI. Additional information is available at www.Donaldson.com.
