“Worldwide, operators recognize the AW139’s unique capabilities in protecting individuals, government leaders and key economic sectors,” said Bob Stenberg, Business Development Director at Donaldson Aerospace & Defense in St. Louis. “EASA’s TC approval allows engine protection of even more aircraft during critical missions.
The new type certificate covers AW139s registered in the European Union and other nations that accept EASA certifications. Donaldson’s IBF system previously had been approved under supplemental type certificates for the AW139 by the U.S. FAA, Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and Transport Canada.
Under the EASA approval, customers can select to have the Donaldson IBF installed on their aircraft on the AgustaWestland production line. Installation also is available as a retrofit.EASA certification also allows FOD (Foreign Object Damage) Protection installation. Donaldson’s Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) supplement will be aligned to the AgustaWestland’s Type Certificate.
The IBF offers significantly better engine protection and performance than traditional sand filters or inertial particle separators without performance or drag penalties. The drop-in system has minimal installation impact. For the AW139, it includes two low-drag, conformal fore and aft fairing assemblies with two filters per side that are removed easily for fast filter exchange. Those assemblies are mounted on existing engine doors to create sealed intake plenums. Each filter has a 4,500 flight-hour service life. IBF-equipped AW139s are approved for Category A operation and can use basic inlet charts after a satisfactory power assurance check.
As with all certified Donaldson IBFs, the AW139 system includes an alternate inlet air bypass system – an important feature not available in most sand filters and particle separators. A simple, compact cockpit switch activates the bypass system and indicates its status. The IBF’s integral Filter Maintenance Aid allows for pre-/post-flight, on-condition inspections between established cleaning intervals. This assists in mission planning and eliminates unnecessary service.
More than 3,000 IBFs are in service worldwide. Donaldson introduced the IBF to the helicopter market 12 years ago. Since then, in addition to AW139s, IBFs have been installed with regulatory approval on AgustaWestland AW109 Power, Grand and GrandNew, AW119 series; Bell 205A1s, 206Bs, 206L-3/4s, 206L-1(C30)s, 230s, 407s, 429s and 430s; Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopter) EC130s, AS350B/BA/B1/B2/B3/B3es, AS350s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions, and MD Helicopters MD 369Hs, MD 500s and MD 900/902s.
To learn more about the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense group, visit www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com.
