Dallas, TX, Feb. 27, 2006 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has been competitively selected by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. to provide a fully integrated high-performance inlet barrier filter (IBF) system for the new Bell 417 helicopter as part of the FAA Type Certified (TC) design and for the U.S. Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). 

“This selection continues the AFS legacy of providing the industry’s best-engineered and supported filtration systems for the Bell 407, U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and now the new 417,” said Michael Scimone, president of AFS. The rugged AFS Bell 407 IBF system is the filtration system of choice for scores of operators around the world.  Additionally, AFS filters have proven their capability during more than 500,000 military flight hours, including demanding high-tempo combat operations in the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq.

“AFS provided flight worthy hardware components to Bell in December 2005 to support Bell’s aggressive aircraft development schedule,” Scimone said.  “These early deliveries to support Bell demonstrate the commitment that 417 suppliers are making to ensure a successful program.”

Unique to this program is a new teaming arrangement between AFS and Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI) to develop an advanced Bell 417 filter. The companies are working together to ultimately introduce Donaldson’s dry media filter technology on the 417/ARH. The dry media simplifies service with the use of compressed air or an environmentally friendly cleaning solution and water, eliminating the time and attention required to dry and re-oil filters.

The new 417 IBF is the first fully integrated barrier filter to be offered on an aircraft TC.  The system was designed from the start around the structural engine inlet plenum, which AFS provides and configured to accommodate either a foreign object screen or barrier filter as requested by the customer.  This new IBF system for the Bell 417 features the flat filter design used in the Bell 407 and OH-58D systems, along with a supplemental bypass system. The system will feature an integral maintenance aid allowing on-condition cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service.

AFS and Donaldson barrier filtration systems have been proven to filter out more than 99 percent of dirt and sand.  Barrier filter systems actually enhance engine performance when compared to traditional particle separators, deliver more engine temperature margin (thus more load carrying capacity), and provide a greater margin of safety. Other benefits include reduced operating and overhaul costs and reduced engine operating temperatures for increased engine life.

About Aerospace Filtrations Systems, Inc.

AFS is the rotorcraft industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military rotorcraft propulsion systems. AFS has delivered more than 1,300 systems and 12,000 filters to military and commercial customers worldwide for main engine inlets and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) inlets. In addition to the Bell 417 system, the company also produces certified commercial filtration systems for the Bell 206B, Bell 407, Bell 206L-3/4, Bell 206L-1/C30 and MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series).  AFS military systems are available for the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, Bell UH-1H Huey, Bell OH-58A/C, Boeing AH/MH-6J/M Little Bird, Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk main engine and APU, Boeing AH-64 Apache APU, and Boeing CH-47 Chinook APU.

About Donaldson Company, Inc.

Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts.  Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development.  Donaldson serves customers in the diesel engine and industrial markets including in-plant air cleaning, compressed air and gas purification, power generation, disk drive filtration, aerospace and defense, off-road equipment and trucks.  Our 11,000 employees contribute to the company’s success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world.  Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol DCI.  Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.

AFS will display its IBF systems at booth 1289 at Heli-Expo, Feb. 26-28 in Dallas, Texas.

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For more information, contact:

Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc.
Jay Foster
Engineering Sales and Marketing
(636) 300-5050
foster@afsfilters.com