Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has obtained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the first Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system available for the Eurocopter AS350B3e model helicopter with the Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine.

The Donaldson IBF approval adds the AS350B3e to the existing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for both single hydraulic aircraft (PN#112005-101) and dual hydraulic aircraft (PN#121001-101).

With this added IBF solution, Eurocopter operators can obtain maximum engine protection while reaping performance benefits from proven Donaldson technology. Expansion of the STC allows operators to keep commonality within their fleet of different AS350 models equipped with Donaldson IBFs.

“We are proud to provide a cutting-edge barrier filtration solution for this new version of the popular AS350B3,” said Michael Scimone, President of Donaldson’s St. Louis operation. “This approval is a further step towards our goal of reducing our customers’ operating costs in challenging economic times.”

Donaldson IBF systems for the Eurocopter AS350B3e feature an easily removed flat filter assembly and integral bypass design, readily installed into existing cowl designs without burdensome cowling alterations. A filter maintenance aid allows for on-condition status checks between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service. No restrictions are imposed for flight in falling or blowing snow or with visible moisture in non-icing conditions.  Users of the Donaldson IBF systems will realize better engine protection and performance over that offered by traditional sand filters or improved inertial particle separators.

Providing the most comprehensive line of IBF solutions, Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through its St. Louis, Missouri, location, Donaldson provides certified IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW109E/S/SP, AW119 Koala, AW119Ke and AW139; Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), 230, 429 and 430; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3/B3e, AS350s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; and MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902.

Donaldson’s AS350B3e Inlet Barrier Filter will be on display at the upcoming Air Medical Transport Conference/AMTC 2011, Booth 1320, St. Louis, Missouri, October 17-19, 2011.  Please drop by for a visit with the Donaldson team.

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