Leonardo recruit Donaldson to develop AW169 IBFs
Filtration system provider Donaldson Aerospace & Defence has announced a new agreement with Leonardo Helicopters to develop two new inlet barrier filters (IBF) for the AW169 helicopter.
Filtration system provider Donaldson Aerospace & Defence has announced a new agreement with Leonardo Helicopters to develop two new inlet barrier filters (IBF) for the AW169 helicopter.
Donaldson says that the dry and oiled media IBFs will be approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as an addition to the Type Certificate after development and testing. The IBFs will then be available as a factory option on new Leonardo Helicopters and also as a retrofit option for in-service AW169s. Donaldson says that the IBFs will be able to keep dirt, dust, salt and foreign objects from affecting the performance of the AW169s engine.
“Providing world-class engine protection to our customers is an ongoing priority for Leonardo Helicopters,” said Fabio Nannoni, SVP Engineering of Leonardo Helicopters. “Donaldson is the right choice to provide a superior filtration solution for our new generation family of helicopters.” Donaldson IBFs are already EASA certified for installation on AW139 and, soon, on AW189 helicopters. “We are pleased and privileged to be working with Leonardo to bring Donaldson IBF-level protection to the AW169,” said Dan Larsen, General Manager, Donaldson Aerospace & Defence. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to help operators fly even more effectively and efficiently.”