DONALDSON DEBUTS INLET BARRIER FILTERS AT IDEX, MARKS MILESTONE BLACK HAWK DELIVERY

ST. LOUIS, Mo., February 17, 2013 – ST. LOUIS, MO – FEBRUARY 17, 2013 – Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is highlighting its Inlet Barrier Filter’s ability to protect military and civil helicopter power plants from catastrophic failure and other hazards during its first-ever display of this system at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).The debut of the Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) at IDEX 2013 comes as Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), marks a milestone for the system.  It has delivered the 500th IBF for the U.S. Army’s workhorse H-60 BLACK HAWK helicopters.  Donaldson’s display at IDEX 2013 with Continental Aviation Services (Stand 12-B01) includes IBFs installed on an H-60 and a Bell Helicopter 407. 
 
“The Middle East’s routine high temperatures and intense dust and sand conditions demand highly effective means of protecting helicopter engines from severe failure and performance degradation,” said Eric Erickson, General Manager of Donaldson Aerospace and Defense in St. Louis. “Our Inlet Barrier Filters deliver this essential protection, helping operators to ensure the reliability and safety of critical missions and reduce maintenance requirements and life-cycle costs.”
 
IDEX 2013 is being held February 17-21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The biennial show is organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company with the UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters, under the patronage of the UAE president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
 
IBF-equipped BLACK HAWKs fly such key missions as air assault, air cavalry, aeromedical evacuation and special operations for the U.S. Army, the UAE Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force.  The U.S. Army has fitted more than 25 percent of its BLACK HAWK fleet with Donaldson IBFs, which are also designed for the U.S. Navy’s H-60 SEAHAWK fleet.
 
The Bell 407 serves military and civilian operators around the globe, flying missions that include medical evacuation, patrol, reconnaissance and transport.  The Iraqi army, for example, is currently expanding its fleet of armed scout 407s.
 
Donaldson IBFs help the crews of these and many other helicopter types – including the AgustaWestland AW109E/S/SP and AW139 and the Eurocopter AS350B3e – execute their missions safely and reliably in the world’s dirtiest, most dangerous environments.    
 
The Donaldson IBF reduces engine turbine operating temperatures, makes more power available for missions and reduces maintenance when compared with other power plant protection options.  It also extends engine life by eliminating component erosion.  These benefits enable operators to realize substantial cost savings and improve “time on wing” for helicopter power plants.
 
Donaldson IBF systems feature low-profile, conformal fore and aft fairings, with dual filter assemblies mounted on existing engine doors that create a sealed intake plenum.  They include an alternate inlet air bypass system, providing an emergency bypass capability absent in most traditional sand filters and particle separators. A simple, compact cockpit switch allows bypass system activation and status indication.  An integral Filter Maintenance Aid permits on-condition inspections pre- and post-flight to assist mission planning and visual inspections.. 
To learn more about Donaldson, visit www.donaldsonaerospace-defense.com or contact us at 1-866-323-0394.

About Donaldson's Aerospace & Defense Group

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.