Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), reports strong acceptance of its Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems by air medical helicopter programs, logging thousands of flight hours worldwide. Continuing its longtime involvement in the air medical industry, Donaldson will be displaying its IBF Systems in Exhibit No. 835 at the upcoming Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Seattle, Wash. October 22-24, 2012.

New and existing aircraft across the globe are being outfitted with the IBF for superior engine protection, including new AgustaWestland AW119Ke aircraft being placed in service by Oregon-based Life Flight Network.

Other Donaldson IBF-equipped air medical operators worldwide include:

–       South Africa’s Red Cross Air Mercy Service transports its patients in AW119Ke ships protected by Donaldson IBFs

–       Utah-based Intermountain Life Flight’s fleet of new Agusta AW109SP helicopters are flying hot and high air medical missions protected by IBF systems from Donaldson

–       Bell 407 aircraft flown by Air Methods Corporation, PHI Air Medical and Med-Trans Corporation log heavy flight hours each year across the U.S. protected by Donaldson IBFs

–       Eurocopter EC130 aircraft from Columbus’ MedFlight of Ohio fly patients throughout the Buckeye State protected by Donaldson IBFs

–       And Air St. Luke’s in Boise, Idaho, flies new Bell 429 helicopters equipped with IBF systems for missions in mountainous central Idaho.

The company continues to field new IBF Systems to serve operators’ needs and reduce aircraft operating costs, including the first-ever barrier filters for the AW109E/S/SP, the Bell 407GX and 206LR as well as the Eurocopter AS350B3e and EC130T2.

Installed on new aircraft at the factory or to improve operations of existing helicopters, Donaldson IBF systems can lead to a direct reduction in engine damage and related operating costs for air medical helicopter operators.  The IBF provides the most effective protection package available in the industry, preventing engine damage in adverse conditions and ramp environments alike, while maintaining performance.

“Air medical crews perform a critically important public service, and they deserve to operate aircraft with the best engine protection available,” said Robert Stenberg, Donaldson St. Louis Business Development Director.  “Our IBFs are known as ‘The ROI Filter’ because they deliver a return once installed, and are proven to provide operating cost reductions at the program level.  The Donaldson IBF can substantially reduce possibility of an expensive FOD repair or erosion repairs at overhaul, and lowers the operating cost of an aircraft dramatically.”

Research and development efforts are ongoing for cutting-edge Inlet Barrier Filter Systems for several additional helicopter platforms, added Stenberg.

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 Inlet Barrier Filter Systems, visit www.DonaldsonIBF.com.

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

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 approximately 13,600 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.

Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 and Russell 1000 indices, and our shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol DCI.  Additional information is available at www.Donaldson.com.