Aerometals, a leader in aerospace design, engineering, and manufacturing, has announced the introduction of a new-generation Engine Inlet Barrier Filter (EIBF), designed, manufactured, flight tested and delivered by the company. Utilizing complex computer airflow modeling and three-dimensional CAD technology, Aerometals is now delivering a revolutionary new EIBF designed both for the Sikorsky S-70i and UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters.

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Attributes of the new design over legacy systems include a significant weight savings of almost 50 pounds, no airspeed correlation charts, no impact to ram air cooling of engines, no increase in fuel burn due to parasitic drag, and minimal impact to aircraft performance. In additional to protecting engines from FOD damage and filtering particulates and salt nuclei, the EIBF also guards against thermal impact spikes that can lead to premature hot section fatigue of firefighting aircraft.

Veteran Black Hawk test pilot Kevin Bredenbeck evaluated the filter system and said, “It isn’t often I’m impressed, but after reviewing the technical data and performing flight profiles, my opinion has solidified that the Aerometals barrier filter should be standard equipment on all Black Hawk aircraft.”

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The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Air Operations Department is the launch customer with the recent delivery of their new airframe with the Aerometals EIBF installed. The acquisition of the S-70i provides a critical role of fire suppression and support of ground firefighting crews for San Diego and surrounding area.

Battalion chief Chuck Macfarland commented, “When we decided to lead the fleet, I expected a good product from Aerometals. Now that I have had the opportunity to fly with the barrier filter installed, it has exceeded my expectations, and put to rest any concern about power available.”