Inlet-barrier filtration (IBF) supplier FDC/aerofilter (Booth No. 537) yesterday announced that its filtration system for the dual-hydraulic Eurocopter AS 350B3 has been granted FAA STC approval. Eurocopter adapted the cowling from the EC 130B4 for the dual-hydraulic AS 350B3, so FDC likewise adapted the company’s approved EC 130 filtration system and cowling interface to the aircraft.
According to FDC, the new installation raises the overall height of the cowling by only four inches. The first customer for the B3 filter is the Department of Homeland Security, which will be using it for its helicopters that patrol the U.S. southern border.
Meanwhile, FDC/aerofilter’s Eurocopter AS 350-series IBF system has reached the ninth anniversary of its certification and is currently approved by the FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and the Brazilian government. According to the company, the AS 350 system offers benefits such as “compactness, light weight, dual bypass doors, maximized filtration area yielding cooler turbine operating temperatures and an easily removable element.”
The company also recently received STC approval from Transport Canada for unrestricted flight in falling and blowing snow conditions for Eurocopter EC 130B4 helicopters with FDC filter systems. As with previous snow approvals on other helicopters fitted with FDC filters, such as the SikorskyS-76C+, removal of snow restrictions on the EC 130B4 will now allow Canadian operators to continue routine flight operations in all weather conditions. The testing was performed under close supervision by Transport Canada, with the test flights having to be repeated three times due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
FDC president Andrew Rowen said the removal of snow restrictions on the EC 130B4 with the FDC filter in Canada follows similar approvals on the S-76C+, adding that more will be coming soon for other helicopter types. “Our FDC systems provide total engine protection for turbine helicopters under all conditions, increasing safety, reducing maintenance costs and eliminating FOD and erosion,” he noted.
