Donaldson Works With Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland to Develop AW189 Engine Protection Systems

ST. LOUIS, Missouri, November 12, 2015 – Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is working with Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland to design, develop and produce Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems to protect AW189 helicopter engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) from dirt, dust, salt and foreign objects.

A division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), Donaldson Aerospace & Defense expects to receive European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification next spring to install the systems on the 16-19 passenger AW189. The systems keep contamination from degrading the performance and reliability of its two, 2,000 shaft-horsepower General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines.

“With the AW189, AgustaWestland has succeeded in bringing longer range, higher capacity and greater endurance to critical missions such as offshore oil and gas support and search and rescue,” said Matt Fortuna, general manager of Donaldson Aerospace & Defense.  “Donaldson is pleased to work with this leading aircraft maker to ensure the highest performance and reliability of these aircraft on those missions.”

At a maximum takeoff weight of at least 18,300 pounds (8,300 kilograms) and a maximum cruise speed of 155 knots (287 kilometers per hour), the AW189 is part of the AgustaWestland family of new-generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models. Donaldson already has received certification of an IBF installation for the 15-passenger AW139 from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority, EASA, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

The IBF offers significantly better engine protection and performance with minimal installation impact. For the AW139, it includes two low-drag, conformal fore and aft fairing assemblies with two filters per side that are removed easily for fast filter exchange. Those assemblies are mounted on existing engine doors to create sealed intake plenums.

To learn more about Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, visit www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com.   

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.

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.