DART Aerospace today announced that in collaboration with Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL) it will shortly initiate flight testing of a next-gen advanced engine air filtration system for AS350 and EC130 helicopter models equipped with Arriel engines. The new AS350/EC130 Advanced Engine Air Filtration System will provide the highest level of helicopter air inlet protection to enhance engine safety, reliability, availability, and performance by reducing erosion. Featuring Palls Centrisep technology, the Fit and Forget system will be self-cleaning and virtually maintenance free, unlike other engine air inlet filtration systems. At Heli-Expo 2013, the world's largest trade show dedicated to the international helicopter community, the first system for AS350/EC130 aircraftwill be showcased.

Were excited and looking forward to the first flight trial on the AS350/EC130 helicopter project and to expanding our collaboration with DART to improve engine protection and safety for many other aircraft models, said Gabriel Popa, vice president, Pall Aerospace Europe. Recent advances in design technology have enabled us to develop more efficient Centrisep EAPSs with reduced power loss and greater protection for the engines.

Having been a helicopter mechanic for over 30 years, I am confident that the new, completely redesigned system with Centrisep technology will deliver unmatched performance. Pall and DART have collaborated to develop a system that will completely redefine engine filtration, said Mike OReilly, president of DART Aerospace.

DART has developed a composite fairing for the new system and has shared expertise in system integration, certification, sales, marketing and customer support. As confirmation of the systems airworthiness, DART aims to obtain a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA by the end of 2013 and subsequent certifications from other regional authorities

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Palls latest Centrisep design improvements dramatically increase dust separation efficiency by significantly reducing the accumulation of fine particles inside the unit, reducing the potential for unscheduled removals. In addition to protecting the engine against rain, snow, salt spray and hot gas ingestion, this latest design utilizing Centrisep EAPS technology will incorporate a secondary filter screen that prevents damage from foreign objects (FOD) even when the engine cover is open. The Centrisep unit is certified for inadvertent entry into icing conditions without the complication of heavy bypass doors. Missions can be launched and completed without filter bypass procedures or aborting the operation.

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DART Aerospace and Pall Corp. to Flight Trial Advanced Engine Air Filtration System for AS350/EC130 Helicopters