Amends Current STC For EC130s

Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) has received an amendment to its current EC130 B4 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to include the Eurocopter AS350B3 with dual hydraulic systems installed.

This new approval clears the way for operators of this enhanced AS350B3 to utilize a proven filtration solution. AFS IBF systems are already in use by AS350 and EC130 operators internationally, performing law enforcement, air medical, firefighting, news gathering and utility missions. Canadian and European approvals are in process for the EC130, extending the AFS solution for AS350B3 dual hydraulic and EC130 operators worldwide.

"Our added certification allows individual and mixed fleet operators the ability to equip their helicopters with the best engine protection available. This IBF solution for the dual hydraulic B3 is identical to our already certified EC130 IBF," said AFS Business Development Director Robert Stenberg. "We are fortunate to have an in-house design team, comprised of the industry's top engineers, developing our innovative and effective engine protection systems for our worldwide customer base."

The AFS system features a sealed intake plenum that replaces the inlet screens, sand filter/particle separator or alternate barrier filter. Design of the IBF utilizes the existing cowl with minimum modification, including incorporation of an aft-facing bypass system. The filter and bypass system are flush with the upper surface of the EC130 or B3 dual hydraulic cowling, utilizing an internal bypass plenum. Utilizing deep pleats, AFS technology allowed the filter footprint to be limited to the upper surface of the cowling and still accommodate the bypass. An emergency bypass capability is an important IBF feature that is lacking in most traditional sand filters and particle separators.

All electrical components are easily accessed from inside the cowling with minimal installation effort. A simple compact cockpit switch, common with existing AFS certified systems, allows indication and activation of the bypass system. And as with all AFS IBF's, an integral Filter Maintenance Aid allows for on-condition inspections between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service. AFS AS350/EC130 IBF-equipped aircraft can also operate with no inlet driven flight or gross weight restrictions to the basic inlet performance charts, with the option to also operate to the sand filter performance charts when required.

FMI: www.afsfilters.com, www.donaldson.com