Aerometals has completed its Airbus H225 Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) development programme, after working on the solution for several years. The IBF is now certified and production has begun, with the first production units already delivered to Air Center Helicopters, who also provided an aircraft for flight testing during the development phase.
“The IBF will be a game changer for Air Center Helicopters and others operating in austere conditions, especially with dust,” said Rod Tinney Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Air Center Helicopters. “Many of the Southwest U.S. locations we operate in have a talc-like dust that severely impacts engines that the MPAI does not filter or catch. We also encounter similar conditions in Africa where we have a ‘no fail mission’ for the U.S. Government. These IBFs will go a long way to preserve engine life and make it possible for the engines to make TBO, and maintain high operational readiness for our customer. This critical engine protection is essential when operating over 20 H225s worldwide.”
The H225 IBF is lighter than previous systems and features an integrated bypass door in case of a filter blockage, and removeable filter elements for easy cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the system is certified for bird strike protection and has been tested in icing conditions. Following tests, the IBF has achieved a 99.3% SAE coarse test dust filtration efficiency to protect against foreign object damage, erosion, fouling, and corrosion.
“The successful certification of the H225 Inlet Barrier Filter is a significant milestone for Aerometals,” commented Brian Kellogg, Vice President of Aerometals. “This program is yet another example of our ability to take a complex, safety critical system through design, qualification, and flight testing while delivering measurable improvements in engine protection. We’re proud to bring H225 operators a lighter, more efficient IBF solution that enhances reliability and protects asset investments in operation all over the world.”
Photo: Aerometals
