Donaldson’s Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) for the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 is on track for certification, the company announced this week at Heli-Expo 2020. The units keep contamination such as dirt, dust, salt, and foreign objects from entering and degrading the performance of engines.
After an agreement with Leonardo in 2018 to develop, test, and produce both dry and oiled media type filters for the medium twin’s 1,000-shp Pratt & Whitney PW210 engines, Donaldson has successfully completed its icing tunnel tests. “The flight-test campaign is planned for summer 2020, with the aim of receiving certification between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021,” said Dan Larsen, general manager of Donaldson Aerospace & Defense.
Once approved by EASA, the IBFs will be available as a factory option for new Leonardo helicopters and as a retrofit option for in-service AW169s. The IBF will be fully integrated with the rotorcraft’s avionics, so any existing aircraft with a FOD screen or engine air particle separator can easily be equipped with the IBF solution.
Donaldson’s IBFs for the AW139 and AW189 have already received certification from EASA. At its Heli-Expo booth (3404), the company is displaying a variety of IBFs for the Airbus H160 and H130; Leonardo AW189, AW109, and AW139; and Bell 407 and 505.
The company has also launched a new web portal that allows easy online ordering, simplified part lookup and identification, and access to all Donaldson commercial helicopter products.
“We have been working behind the scenes to develop a more focused and aligned support team to better serve our customers,” explained Tom Newman, director of Donaldson’s rotorcraft business unit. “This new one-stop product portal is one of the team’s innovations, offering instant access to information, filtration products, and even detailed specifications designed to help keep our customers mission ready.”