Donaldson to Showcase One-Of-A-Kind Flying Laboratory at HELI-EXPO 2016
LOUISVILLE, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 – A unique flying scientific laboratory devoted to advancing environmental research will be on display in the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense exhibit 2400 during the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo, March 1-3 in Louisville.
The featured Airbus H125 is equipped with an Inlet Barrier Filtration (IBF) system from Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI). The Helicopter Observation Platform (HOP) is owned by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and operated by Helicopter Express.
Rosenstiel School Professor and Dean Roni Avissar, who pilots the H125, said the aircraft is key to obtaining vital information about climate and human health. Avissar will be available throughout Heli-Expo to answer questions at the Donaldson exhibit.
The H125 has been specially equipped with an array of environmental sensors and instrument inlets. As the helicopter flies at various altitudes and locations, equipment measures various exchanges between the Earth surface and atmosphere.
“A helicopter is the only platform that can safely and efficiently perform the maneuvers we require,” Avissar said. “In particular, the ability to fly low and slow is essential to our research.” After Heli-Expo, Avissar will fly the helicopter to Florida to begin scientific missions in the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.
Dirt, dust, salt and sand ingestion rob a turboshaft engine of its ability to produce the power required for helicopter missions. Since the H125 will study the environment near the ocean and close to the ground, the IBF is critical to the long-term effectiveness of the helicopter. In addition to protecting the helicopter’s engines, the IBF conserves the Rosenstiel School’s budget, which consists largely of federal grants and philanthropic support, by extending maintenance intervals and preventing damage to the helicopter’s valuable engines.
Avissar thanked Donaldson for its unwavering support of the program, adding, “When we were challenged by circumstance to equip the research platform with a proven air filtration system, Donaldson worked with us and went above and beyond to find a solution that will keep our program and research missions on track.”
About Donaldson Aerospace & Defense
Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense business unit 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. For more information, visit http://www.donaldsonaerospace-defense.com/.
About Donaldson
Founded 100 years ago, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in the filtration industry. The Company's innovative filtration technologies improve people's lives, enhance Customers' equipment performance and protect the environment. More than 12,500 employees support Customers at 140 sales, manufacturing and distribution locations. For more information, visit www.Donaldson.com.
About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
The University of Miami is one of the largest private research institutions in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit: www.rsmas.miami.edu.
