Press Release

Issued by Pall Corporation.

March 4, 2013

Pall Corporation today announced that DART Aerospace will shortly initiate flight testing on a next-generation "Fit and Forget" advanced engine air filtration system that has been collaboratively developed for AS350 and EC130 helicopter models with Arriel engines. The new AS350/EC130 Advanced Engine Air Filtration System will provide the highest level of helicopter engine protection to enhance safety, reliability, availability, and performance by reducing erosion and other contamination-related damage. Featuring Pall's Centrisep® technology, the Fit and Forget system will be self-cleaning and virtually maintenance free, unlike other filtration systems qualified for this aircraft. At Heli-Expo 2013, the world's largest exhibition dedicated to the international helicopter community, the first system for AS350/EC130 aircraft will be showcased.

"We're excited and looking forward to the first flight trial on the AS350/EC130 helicopter project and expanding our collaboration with DART to improve engine protection and safety for many other aircraft models," said Gabriel Popa, vice president, Pall Aerospace Europe. "Recent advances in design technology have enabled us to develop a more efficient Centrisep EAPS with reduced power loss and greater protection for engines."

Mike O'Reilly, president of DART Aerospace, said, "Having been a helicopter mechanic for over 30 years, I am confident that the new system with redesigned Centrisep technology will deliver unmatched performance. Pall and DART have collaborated to develop a system that will completely redefine engine filtration."

DART has developed a composite fairing for the new system and has shared its expertise in system integration, certification, sales, marketing, and customer support with Pall. As confirmation of the system's airworthiness, DART aims to obtain a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA by the end of 2013 and subsequent certifications from other regional authorities.

Pall's latest Centrisep design improvements dramatically increase dust separation efficiency and significantly reduce the accumulation of fine particles inside the unit, thus reducing the potential for unscheduled removals. It protects the engine against rain, snow, salt spray and hot gas ingestion. In addition, this latest design will incorporate a secondary screen filter that prevents damage from foreign objects (FOD) even when the engine cover is open. The Centrisep unit is certified for inadvertent entry into icing conditions without the complication of heavy bypass doors. Missions can be launched and completed without filter bypass procedures or aborting the operation.