Kallax Flyg of Sweden has provided a letter of intent to order two PA100 PUREair engine protection systems for its AS350 family of helicopters once the system has received EASA certification.

The system, co-developed by Pall Aerospace and Dart Aerospace, is an engine air protection system that is self-cleaning and purports to be maintenance-free, unlike other filtration systems qualified for this aircraft. It offers high protection and a two per cent gain in engine power over conventional inlet barrier filters.

“At Kallax Flyg, our everyday operations range from commercial air transport to aerial work in the Swedish mountains,” explains Jim Lindqvist, maintenance manager. “With these specific missions in mind, we require a reliable, cost-effective and easy to install engine protection system that will allow us to fly in falling, blowing, and re-circulating snow with our AS350 aircraft during winter operations and at the same time, clean the inlet air of dust and debris during summer operations. We believe the PA100 filtration system is the solution to our needs.”

Lindqvist says the system will be very easy to install, with no extra electrical pieces required for the airframe.

“You don't have to bleed out any compressed air with the new system. It will lessen the restrictions we had for flying in falling snow,” he explains.