Donaldson has signed an agreement with Leonardo to develop two new inlet barrier filters (IBFs) for the AW169 helicopter. Upon completion of development and testing, EASA is to approve the dry and oiled media IBFs as an addition to the type certificate. When certification is complete, the IBFs will be available as a factory option for new Leonardo helicopters. The IBFs will also be available for retrofitting to in-service European AW169s as a customer option.

The IBFs are designed to keep contamination elements including dirt, salt, dust, and foreign objects from reducing the performance of the AW169’s engines. “Providing world-class engine protection to our customers is an ongoing priority for Leonardo Helicopters. Donaldson is the right choice to provide a superior filtration solution for our new-generation family of helicopters,” said Fabio Nannoni, senior v-p of engineering for Leonardo Helicopters. The Donaldson IBFs are currently EASA certified for installation on the AW139 and certification for installation on the AW189 is expected in the future.