Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of the Donaldson Company, Inc.  announced today that it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the Bell 230 helicopter. The aircraft will be added to an existing Supplemental Type Certificate for the Bell 430 helicopter. With this new IBF solution, Bell 230 operators will quickly realize a return on their investment through reduced operating costs, enhanced performance and expanded operational capabilities.

The IBF system now available for the Bell 230 includes the following features and benefits:

• Sealed intake plenum on each engine intake with integral filter elements that replace the inlet screens or internal particle separator;
• Unique intake bypass system not available with certified particle separators;
• Simple compact cockpit switch – common with all Donaldson certified systems – allows indication and activation of the bypass system;
• Integral Filter Maintenance Aid allows for on-condition inspections between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service. The filter service cycle is required at 300 flight hours or one year with each filter capable of 15 service cycles (4,500 flight hours) or possibly less if operating in high sand/dust content adverse environment conditions; and
• Provides good operational capability while maintaining maximum engine protection.
• “The addition of the Bell 230 to our existing Bell 430 STC is a natural progression and maintains a common hardware configuration,” said Michael Scimone, President of Donaldson’s St. Louis location. “Legacy aircraft operators worldwide are always looking for ways to reduce operating costs. We are pleased we could offer a practical solution for the Bell 230, as we do on many other legacy aircraft still providing useful service to the industry.”

Barrier filter systems enhance engine performance, deliver more engine temperature margin (thus more load carrying capacity), and provide a greater level of safety. The Donaldson IBF prevents potential turbine damage in all conditions, as engine contaminants exist in both the ramp and off-site operating environments alike. All these factors culminate in a quick return on investment, which is critical to commercial and military operators alike.

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.

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

About Donaldson Aerospace & Defense
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems for the aerospace and defense industry. Our filtration solutions protect fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, military ground vehicles, electronic equipment, space vehicles, missiles, military shipboard systems, and amphibious vehicles. We are committed to advancing filtration technology, providing quality products and prompt customer service. Our group serves customers from sales, engineering, and manufacturing locations around the world.

About Donaldson Company
Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems that improve people’s lives, enhance our Customers’ equipment performance, and protect our environment. We are a technology-driven Company committed to satisfying our Customers’ needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development, application expertise, and global presence. Our over 13,000 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.