Thu, Oct 30, 2008
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.
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