Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has completed delivery of its Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems for the U.S. Army’s fleet of Bell TH-67 training helicopters. More than 180 helicopters were retrofitted with upgraded inlet protection at the Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Donaldson IBFs will be on display in Exhibit 150 during AAAA 2012, Apr. 1-4 in Dallas, Texas.

With the Donaldson IBF installed, Army aviators and maintenance crews gain total engine protection coupled with maximum engine performance. Whether in hover training on the ramp or practicing landings at remote, sandy landing zones, the use of IBFs minimizes the Army’s engine maintenance expenses.

"This fleet retrofit continues the Donaldson legacy of providing the U.S. Army with quality products to enhance operational effectiveness," said Michael Scimone, president of Donaldson’s St. Louis operation. "Donaldson products have protected the engines of Army platforms ranging from Abrams tanks to BLACK HAWK helicopters, and we are proud to continue this long standing relationship."

In operation worldwide on commercial and military JetRanger variants, the 206B/TH-67/OH-58 Series IBF allows flight planning to basic inlet performance charts. Also, an external panel allows easy access to the 4,500 flight-hour life filters without removing the cowl. As with all certified Donaldson IBFs, the system includes an alternate inlet air bypass system mounted within the existing cowl. This emergency bypass capability is an important IBF feature that is not included with particle separator alternatives. An integral Filter Maintenance Aid is also included to allow for on-condition inspections pre- and post-flight.

Donaldson has long provided main engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) barrier filter systems for the UH-60 Series BLACK HAWK, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and the AH-6 Series “Little Bird.” The barrier filter systems have enabled substantial cost savings and improved time on wing for combat helicopter power plants. Donaldson is a long-time supporter of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) and the AAAA Scholarship Fund.

Providing the most comprehensive line of IBF solutions, Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through its St. Louis, Missouri location, Donaldson provides certified IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland AW109E/S/SP, AW119 Koala, AW119Ke and AW139; Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), 230, 429 and 430; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3/B3e, AS350s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; and MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902.

About Donaldson Aerospace & Defense

Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems for the aerospace and defense industry. Our filtration solutions protect fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, military ground vehicles, electronic equipment, space vehicles, missiles, military shipboard systems, and amphibious vehicles. We are committed to advancing filtration technology, providing quality products and prompt customer service. Our group serves customers from sales, engineering, and manufacturing locations around the world. To learn more about the Donaldson Aerospace & Defense group, visit www.DonaldsonAerospace-Defense.com.

About Donaldson Company

Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems that improve people’s lives, enhance our Customers’ equipment performance, and protect our environment. We are a technology-driven Company committed to satisfying our Customers’ needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development, application expertise, and global presence. Our over 12,800 employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.