St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 14, 2009 Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI) and division of the Aerospace and Defense Group, announces a new partnership with Metro Aviation of Shreveport, La., on the development of an innovative Eurocopter EC135 Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system. The new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approved product is scheduled for certification in time for the Helicopter Association Internationals (HAI) HELI-EXPO 2010.
Donaldson's Aerospace and Defense Group is leading the design and development program with assistance from Metro Aviation along with an initial order for the first five kits to serve Metros completion customers and its operational fleet. The IBF system features multiple long-life filter assemblies that are internally mounted to the existing EC135 cowlings, resulting in no drag penalties and no potential for environmental harm associated with externally mounted designs.
By utilizing the existing Eurocopter inlet design, we are able to capitalize on the ram recovery characteristics without sacrifice to the internal component cooling margin afforded by airflow over the transmission and associated drive train, said Michael Scimone, President of AFS. "We are focused on the optimal configuration for the EC135 helicopter with a minimal amount of modification and weight. We are very aware of the critical importance of useful load on this multi-mission aircraft, especially in Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operations.
This project brings together two rotorcraft industry leaders, each continuing its longtime commitment to providing the best solutions for customers. The partnership between Metro Aviation and Donaldson Aerospace and Defense was a natural progression. Often through collaboration, the best companies in a select industry provide the best products, commented Milton Geltz, Metro Aviation Managing Director. Metro wants to maintain its position as a leader in customer satisfaction and pioneering technology, as proven with our new EC135 air conditioning system, and this new IBF design continues the lineage of our leadership.
Donaldson Aerospace and Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through AFS, we manufacture certified IBF solutions for the MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, AS350s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, AW119Ke; Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4 and 206L-1(C30). IBF systems for the Eurocopter EC135, AgustaWestland AW139, AW109 Power and Grand as well as the Bell 430, and Bell 206L are in development.
Visit Donaldson Aerospace and Defense at the upcoming Helitech 2009 in Duxford, United Kingdom, 22-24 September 2009. To learn more about Donaldson and AFS, visit www.donaldson.aero or contact us at 636-300-5200.About the Companies
Metro Aviation, Inc., based in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States is a worldwide provider of completion services for all missions and types of helicopters and specializes in the EC135 and EC145 with several Supplement Type Certificates (STC) developed by the company for these and other aircraft. Metro is an FAA approved repair station, approved Eurocopter Service Center and FAR Part 135 air medical operations provider at several locations across the United States. For additional information regarding Metro Aviation, Inc. and any of its products or services, please contact Jim Kettles, Director of Sales and Customer Support, at 817.247.7192 or [email protected].
Donaldson's Aerospace and Defense Group 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.
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.
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.
