P&WC Reaches 130K Flight Hours on IBF-equipped ADAC Helicopters
HAI Heli-Expo, Louisville, KY (March 2, 2016) — PW206B2/B3 engines have achieved the milestone of over 130,000 flight hours on ADAC helicopters equipped with an inlet barrier filter (IBF), Pratt & Whitney Canada announced today. This sophisticated technology helps maximize performance for helicopters that fly in harsh conditions. Germany’s ADAC Luftrettung operates a fleet of H135P2 and H135P3 helicopters equipped with the IBF. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
“ADAC implemented the IBF in 2011 to directly address the environmental challenges its fleet encounters – which is absolutely critical for an emergency medical services provider,” said Irene Makris, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. “The IBF device ensures there are no flight delays and allows the fleet to be operated for any kind of emergency mission, regardless of environment.”
The IBF’s performance has allowed P&WC to extend the time between overhaul (TBO) on ADAC’s fleet of H135s from 4,000 to 4,500 hours. What’s more, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul company ADAC Luftfahrt Technik has installed the IBF on more than 25 H135 aircraft and is able to assist other H135 operators in the region with IBF installation.
“ADAC’s 130,000-hour milestone demonstrates that the IBF is highly effective in heightening the engine’s durability and performance envelope in a seamless manner. Our collaboration with ADAC to introduce the IBF demonstrates our commitment to helping customers carry out their missions by leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet their evolving needs,” continued Makris.
ADAC Luftrettung began introducing the IBF on its fleet of 32 H135P2 aircraft in 2011 and also selected the IBF option on three H135P3 aircraft in 2013. The entire fleet is now equipped with the device. The flight leader with an IBF has surpassed the 3,500-hour threshold.
“Dispatch reliability and performance are obviously key metrics for our business,” said Thomas Huetsch, General Manager, ADAC Luftfahrt Technik. “The IBF has been an effective solution in combatting some of the environmental challenges such as industrial pollution and sandy soil conditions our fleet faces. The 500-hour increase in TBO for the engines provides us with competitive advantage. As a result of the TBO increase and IBF installation, combined with implementation of enhanced operational and maintenance practices, the direct maintenance costs on the engines have been reduced by more than 30 percent.”
Come and see us at HAI Heli-Expo, booth #1817. Interested operators are invited to drop by P&WC’s booth to speak with a customer service representative.
About ADAC
ADAC Luftrettung GmbH is a German emergency medical services operator with 50 helicopters on 37 operational bases and more than 40 years of experience. For more information: www.adac-luftrettung.de.
ADAC Luftfahrt Technik GmbH is a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) company in Germany with 140 employees and more than 50 years of experience. For more information: www.alt-heliservice.de.
About Pratt & Whitney Canada
Founded in 1928, P&WC is a global leader in aerospace that is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies Corp, based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries.