St. Louis, MO., March 22, 2007 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for yet another Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system — this time for Eurocopter AS 350 models B/BA/B1/B2/B3 equipped with the Arriel engine. AFS has certified 3 new IBF systems for commercial operators in the last six months with additional certifications imminent, greatly expanding options for those who desire high-technology filtration for their aircraft. FAA and Transport Canada (TC) approved the AFS IBF for the Soloy AS 350 SD/SD2 Honeywell engine conversion last fall on a Soloy STC. This new certification clears the way for all AS 350 operators to maximize engine protection while realizing significant performance and maintenance benefits.

This filter features a new sealed engine intake plenum engineered to replace the lower performance sand filter, Engine Air Particle Separator (EAPS) or alternate barrier filter. “We are providing a solution for the mixed fleet of AS 350 models equipped with alternate inlet protection and two different engine configurations,” said Robert Stenberg, AFS Business Development Director. “Numerous AS 350 operators utilize mixed fleets of aircraft and our goal was to standardize as many components as possible.”

AS 350s with the filter installed will be permitted to operate to the basic inlet charts with no flight or gross weight restrictions. A canted flat filter design allows operation at peak efficiency and maximum air flow in all flight regimes and environment conditions. For added safety, the system includes an integral bypass system designed to keep debris from entering the engine during operation. The flat filter allows easy cleaning and servicing, while quarter turn fasteners facilitate easy removal. And the company’s IBF line is backed with proven media flown during more than 1 million flight hours of commercial and military helicopter operations.

An integral filter maintenance aid allows for on-condition inspections between established cleaning intervals of 300 hours, or one year, eliminating unnecessary cleaning. Filter assemblies are designed for 15 cleaning cycles, for a maximum life of 4,500 flight hours (service life is a function of the operating environment). A simple, compact and proven cockpit switch allows indication and activation of the bypass system.

AFS IBFs filter out more than 99 percent of dirt, sand, ash and fine particulates. AFS filters 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, these 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.

AFS is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Along with the Eurocopter AS 350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, the company holds commercial STCs worldwide, including IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland A119 Koala, Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), MD Helicopters MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series), and Eurocopter AS 350D/SD/SD2 (Soloy STC). IBF systems for the Eurocopter EC 130, MD 900/902 Explorer and Bell 212/412 are in development, with U.S. FAA certification expected in 2007. AFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Donaldson Company, Inc. 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


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For more information, contact:
Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc.
Sales and Marketing
(636) 300-5200
sales@afsfilters.com
www.afsfilters.com