Final Test: Operation At -50 Degrees Fahrenheit

From Airwolf Filter Corp....

After six months of rigorous testing, the FAA has awarded Airwolf Filter Corp FAA – PMA approval of its new 3P194-AFC wet vacuum pump for reciprocating aero-engines.

It is the only new wet-pump available on the market.

The pump replaces all 200-Series dry pumps, regardless of the original manufacturer (Aero Accessories, Airborne, Champion, Rapco & Sigma-Tek), as well as wet pumps by Pesco and Garwin. The new Airwolf wet pump is a direct replacement for all existing pumps, with no modifications necessary for installation.

The certification tests included continuous runs of 300 hours, including one of 2000 hours; proof of successful, repeated operation at temperatures of -50 degrees F; and maintenance of maximum vacuum during all runs. The design revives and improves on 40-year old wet pumps originally produced by Garwin and Pesco. Computer-aided manufacturing allows Airwolf to meet tighter tolerances and more accurately machined chambers and vanes than was possible 40 years ago.

Airwolf pumps are machined from aluminum billet and employ cast-iron liners, and precision ball bearings superior to those used in dry pumps. The soft, oil-impregnated graphite vanes are robust - four times thicker than those in dry pumps - and are lubricated by a thin mist of filtered engine oil.

Airwolf's John Kochy said aircraft owners can expect failure-proof vacuum systems for the length of their engine's Time Between Overhauls (TBO). "Dry vacuum pumps are a pilot's worst nightmare," he explained. "Unlike any other aircraft component, most dry pumps fail well before TBO. This is a serious safety issue for pilots who depend on their gyros regardless of whether they operate in IFR or VFR conditions. As of today, we can alleviate their fears. Airwolf wet pumps are guaranteed for a full ten years or 2,000 hours, pro-rated to TBO," he added.

Aero-Advantage, a maker of dual-rotor dry pumps, has recently exited the market due to a high failure rate of their pumps' rotors and vanes. Airwolf is offering to purchase all Aero-Advantage dual-rotor pumps as partial payment for new Airwolf wet pumps.

FMI: www.airwolf.com