Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), is helping one of the nation’s leading local law enforcement agencies improve the safety, efficiency and cost-effective operation of its aviation unit. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) Aero Bureau selected the company to provide inlet barrier filters (IBF) for the Bureau’s fleet of 12 new American Eurocopter AS350B2 AStar helicopters.  IBFs are exceptionally efficient filtration systems that prevent ingestion of airborne contaminants during flight operations without affecting the rotorcraft’s engine power and life capabilities.

Known for exceptionally low life cycle costs (4,500-hour filter life), Donaldson IBFs protect vital turbine engine compressor components from costly erosion by desert or coastal sand, soot from fires and other particles that enter engine intakes during flight or ground operations.

“Controlling and reducing direct operating costs are priorities for those who fly important public service missions — and compromising service or safety is not an option,” said Bob Stenberg, Donaldson St. Louis Business Development Director.  “After careful review, the Aero Bureau determined Donaldson provides the lowest life cycle costs due to long filter life, less frequent inspections, rugged component design and simple, intuitive maintenance.”  Donaldson IBFs also are compatible with the AS350 and EC130’s operating manual, allowing flight to basic inlet rotorcraft performance charts, with no restrictions or penalties. As a result, operators can expect to attain the most aircraft performance at the most economical life cycle cost.

The AS350 and EC130 IBFs have been designed for customer-friendly installation and maintenance.  The rugged flat filter assembly with its corrosion and erosion resistant stainless-steel-encased media can be quickly and easily removed for cleaning and reinstallation. No composite modification is required for installation, and the system withstands the high heat environment of the helicopter engine compartment for years of service thanks to its durable design.

The Aero Bureau flies a range of missions, including patrol and homeland security, averaging over 300 rescue missions annually above all terrain, including mountainous regions and over water.  Law enforcement departments deserve the best protection available, and they often demand Donaldson.

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), 429 and 430; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, 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, 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.