St. Louis, MO., Jan. 2, 2007 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for Bell 205A1/UH-1H series helicopters. This first-ever certified high performance filter for the Bell 205A1 allows operators to maximize engine protection while reaping performance and maintenance benefits utilizing proven technology.
This new IBF features interchangeable filters and a new, sealed engine intake plenum engineered to replace the lower performance inertial particle separators or FOD screens. "Our goal was to provide a new system with minimum installation impact, better performance, and improved maintenance provisions for drive shaft and engine inlet access," said Michael Scimone, president of AFS. "Operators working in the typically rugged environments where the Bell 205A1 and UH-1H fly will realize more power, reduced flight restrictions and lowered engine maintenance costs."
Scimone said the new STC/PMA filter system can assist helicopter operators with a protection capability not previously available for a variety of mission applications, such as remote seismic and energy exploration work, desert operations, fighting fires, as well as urban flight operations. The new IBF filters out more than 99 percent of dirt, sand, ash, and fine particulates, ensuring the engine has the maximum protection possible for any mission scenario and allowing peak power through to Time Between Overhaul (TBO).
Recognizing the important roles of the venerable Bell 205A1 and UH-1H in utility, firefighting and military operations, AFS leadership believed this storied aircraft deserved the best technology available for the current missions it performs. Bell 205s and UH-1Hs continue to be the workhorses of choice in many categories, with a diverse operator base. The new AFS IBF has been chosen by the U.S. Department of State for its toughest UH-1H Huey II missions with aircraft already in operation and proven results.
Barrier filter technology applied to turbine engine inlets provides a substantial return on investment (ROI) for operators. In most cases, turbine engine components are life-limited parts, but seldom reach their design lives. With a barrier filter installed, these expensive components are able to survive multiple overhauls. The ROI for a barrier filter system is easily attained within one engine overhaul cycle, even in a relatively clean environment. IBF protected engines are expected to make TBO without erosion damage.
About Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc.
AFS is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. AFS has delivered over 2,500 systems and 15,000 filters to commercial and military customers worldwide. Along with the Bell 205A1/UH-1H STC, the company holds commercial STCs worldwide, including IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland A119 Koala, Bell 206B, Bell 407, Bell 206L-3/4, Bell 206L-1(C30), MD Helicopters MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series) and Eurocopter AS 350 (Honeywell/Soloy powered D/SD/SD2, Soloy U.S. and Canadian STCs). IBF systems for the Eurocopter AS 350 (Arriel powered B/BA/B1/B2/B3), Eurocopter EC-130, MD Helicopters MD 900/902 and other platforms are in development, with U.S. FAA certification expected in the next several months. Type certified systems are also in development for the Bell 417 and 429, with the IBF available on new production aircraft. AFS commercial systems are certified by the U.S. FAA (Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-1/3/4, MD 369, A119), Canadian TCCA (Bell 206B, 407, 206L-1/3/4, MD 369), European EASA (Bell 407, 206L-3/4, MD 369), Brazilian CTA (Bell 407, 206L-3/4), and Argentinean DNA (Bell 407, 206L-3/4, MD 369). AFS military systems are available for the Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, Bell UH-1H Huey, Bell OH-58A/C, Boeing AH/MH-6J/M Little Bird, Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk main engine and APU, Boeing AH-64 Apache APU, and Boeing CH-47 Chinook APU.
AFS will display its IBF systems at Heli-Expo, Booth 609, March 1-3, 2007 in Orlando, Fla.
