St. Louis, MO., November 15, 2010 – Inlet Barrier Filters (IBF) produced by Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc., (AFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) and a division of the Aerospace & Defense group, introduces a new capability offering significant advantages to Bell 407 helicopter operators. Recently, the company issued an FAA approved supplement for the Bell 407 IBF Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) compatible with the new Bell Plus Power Program. The new RFMS allows use of Bell flight manual performance charts for the standard 407 or one equipped with the new Bell Plus Power Supplement Type Certificate (STC). In addition, the new RFMS allows use of basic inlet performance charts, providing a needed performance improvement for Bell 407 operators over other inlet protection options while maintaining the best inlet protection possible.

Bell Helicopter Textron won approval for a 407 Plus Power Program STC in February 2010 that adds high-and-hot performance capabilities to the 407 with no additional operational cost. The STC authorizes using the Model 250-C47B’s available excess power to increase the 407’s useful load by more than 400 pounds or hover in ground effect (HIGE) by about 3,000 feet with no reduction in operational safety margin. The improvement involves no additional warranty costs, hardware or software changes to rotorcraft or engine and no changes in engine time between overhaul. Operators use 407 performance charts in the STC for both HIGE and hover out of ground effect (HOGE), adding up to 10 percent above minimum specifications for outside air temperatures up to 51.7 degrees C (125 degrees F).

“The Bell 407 Flight Manual Supplement is more evidence of the superior performance of our IBFs,” said Thomas Newman, Director of Engineering for Donaldson’s St. Louis operation. “Regardless of the 407’s configuration, Donaldson IBFs improve flight performance, operational safety and reliability, reduce helicopter maintenance, while also decreasing repair and overhaul costs. IBFs have an exceptional performance record of keeping rotorcraft engines clean even when flying in the most hazardous environments as the similar IBF equipped Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior has proven. Ease of installation and quick, easy maintenance are additional IBF advantages. We are pleased to offer Donaldson IBFs for Bell 407 and many other popular commercial helicopters in service today.”

“Donaldson worked closely with Bell and the FAA to coordinate a new RFMS that allowed operators to use the Bell 407 equipped with an IBF to the most practical extent possible,” Newman said. He added that both Bell and Donaldson flight testing has proven what operators realize in the field and that the capability of an IBF equipped aircraft provides operators excellent performance and engine protection. Now an IBF protected Plus Power Bell 407 provides a powerful tool for demanding high gross weight utility, firefighting and aeromedical missions.

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 their Donaldson St. Louis location, Donaldson provides commercially certified IBF solutions for platforms including the AgustaWestland A119 Koala, AW119Ke and AW139; Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), 429 and 430; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, AS350B3 Dual Hydraulics, AS350’s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; and MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902. Military qualified engine IBFs and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) IBFs include the Bell OH-58A/C Kiowa, TH-57 & TH-67 Trainer, OH-58D Kiowa Warrier, UH-1H Huey; Boeing AH-64A Apache, CH-47 Chinook, AH/MH-6 Little Bird, AH-6i; and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, SH-60 Seahawk.

To learn more about Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, visit www.donaldson.aero or www.afs.donaldson.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 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.