Canadian helicopter accessory provider Dart Aerospace (Booth No. 6814) announced that in cooperation with Pall Aerospace it has installed and flight-tested the PA100 PureAir engine protection system developed for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 family of rotorcraft. The system features Pall’s latest PureAir technology and is self-cleaning and virtually maintenance free, according to the manufacturers.

Making its debut here at Heli-Expo, the system promises a 2-percent gain in engine power over conventional inlet barrier filters, and the developers are currently seeking Canadian supplemental type certificate approval including inadvertent entry into icing conditions, with FAA and EASA authorization to follow.

During testing, which included more than 20 takeoffs and landings, the test helicopter was taken up to 21,000 feet and the system exceeded performance expectations in all areas of flight. “The PureAir system had less impact on engine performance compared to a conventional inlet barrier filter and the new FOD screen also made no perceivable difference to the air flow,” noted Dart Aerospace president Mike O’Reilly.

A key feature of the system is its PureAir vortex tube, which works in all weather conditions including ice, snow, heavy rain and salt spray.

“This technology brings real advancements in helicopter engine protection,” said Todd Barnett, Pall Aerospace’s vice president of global strategic marketing. “Not only will operators realize improvements in flight safety, reliability and mission availability, but this new system also offers improved aircraft performance while reducing overall operating costs.”