St. Louis, MO., Dec. 16, 2005 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for Bell 206B helicopters.

The approvals clear the way for commercial operators of Bell 206Bs to maximize engine protection while reaping big performance and maintenance benefits from combat-proven military technology. Rugged AFS filters have proven their worth during more than 400,000 military flight hours, including demanding high-tempo operations in deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. The system also may be used by OH-58A and OH-58C operators and will be well received by those flying airborne law enforcement missions, AFS officials said.

“Our mission moving forward is to expand this important technology to additional platforms so that even more commercial operators can reap the benefits of high-technology filtration,” said Michael Scimone, president of AFS. “We will be announcing more newly certified commercial products in 2006.”

The IBF system for Bell 206Bs features flat filter assemblies and an integral bypass design. The filter may be replaced via a quick access door in just 15 minutes. An integral maintenance aid allows for on-condition maintenance between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service. All the great features incorporated into the Bell 407/206L 1/3/L4 filter system are included in the Bell 206B design.

In addition to filtering out more than 99 percent of dirt and sand, AFS filter systems actually enhance engine performance when compared to inlet particle separators, delivering more engine temperature margin (thus more load carrying capacity), and a greater margin of safety. Other benefits include reduced operating and overhaul costs and reduced engine operating temperatures for increased engine life.

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 1,300 systems and 12,000 filters to military and commercial customers worldwide In addition to the Bell 206B system, the company also produces certified commercial filtration systems for the Bell 407, the Bell 206L3/L4, the Bell 206L1 (C30) and the MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series).

The company will display its IBF system for the Bell 206B — as well as many of its other products — at Exhibit 1289 at Heli-Expo, Feb. 26-28 in Dallas, Texas.

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For more information, contact:

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