Olympia, WA., Oct. 27, 2006 – Soloy Aviation Solutions has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for a new and innovative Inlet Barrier Filtration (IBF) system from Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) for its recently certified AS350 Super SD2 helicopter installation with the LTS101-700D-2 engine.

The approval clears the way for operators of the SD2 to maximize engine protection while reaping the performance and maintenance benefits of the LTS101-700D-2 engine. The AFS IBF is available directly from Soloy as an option for its Honeywell engine installation, providing customers an alternative method for superior engine protection.  The system will also be certified for existing Soloy installations in the AS350 with the LTS101-600A-3 and LTS101-60-3A in the near future.

The AFS IBF design for the AS350 features a large, durable, flat filter assembly with an integral bypass system. The entire IBF assembly is self contained and installed on top of the existing AS350 engine cowling, allowing for a simple installation without significantly reworking or modifying the cowling. The filter mounts directly on top with an aft taper providing improved performance in both hover and forward flight. Installation and removal of the filter
for servicing is quick with quarter turn fasteners. An integral maintenance aid allows for on-condition maintenance between established cleaning intervals of 300 hours, eliminating unnecessary service. Filter assemblies are certified for 15 cycles of 300 hours or one year for a maximum life of 4,500 flight hours. Service life is a function of the operating environment.

Performance and design characteristics of the new AFS IBF system allow operation in all environments without restrictions, including operation in falling and blowing snow. No performance penalties are imposed with the system and use of baseline aircraft inlet performance charts are authorized.

Barrier filtration systems filter out more than 99 percent of dirt and sand. They actually enhance engine performance when compared to traditional particle separators, delivering more engine temperature margin (thus more load-carrying capacity), and providing a greater margin of safety. Barrier filter technology applied to turbine engine
inlets provides a substantial return on investment (ROI) for operators, plus performance improvements on many platforms. In most cases, turbine engine components are life-limited parts, but seldom reach their design lives. With a barrier filter installed, expensive components are able to survive multiple overhauls. The ROI for a barrier filter system is easily attained within one engine overhaul cycle, even in a relatively clean environment. 

Soloy Aviation Solutions is the industry leader in engine accessory applications and re-engine modifications for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Soloy has obtained multiple FAA certifications and is currently certifying a new configuration of the Soloy Cessna 206H Mark 2 with the Rolls-Royce 250-B17F powerplant. 

AFS is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. AFS has delivered more than 2,500 systems and 15,000 filters to military and commercial customers worldwide. In addition to the AS350 system, the company also produces certified
commercial filtration systems for the Bell 206B, Bell 407, Bell 206L-3/4, Bell 206L-1(C30) and the MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series). Systems for the Bell 205A1, Arriel-powered Eurocopter AS 350B/BA/B1/B2/B3 and Agusta A119 are in development, with FAA certification expected by the end of 2006.

For more information, contact Soloy, LLC at (360) 754-7000 or visit
Soloy Aviation Solutions online at www.soloy.com


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For more information, contact:
Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc.
Jay Foster
Sales and Marketing Manager
(636) 300-5050
foster@afsfilters.com
www.afsfilters.com