Army orders Chinook engine filters

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., April 18 (UPI) -- A U.S.-made filtration system that protects CH-47 helicopter engines by continuously separating dust and sand from inlet air has been ordered by the U.S. Army.

The Pall Aeropower Corp. said the order for 59 units of its Centrisep engine advanced protection system is worth about $14 million.

"Pall's filtration technology has been an integral part of the helicopter fleet for the U.S. Army as well as our allies using this workhorse helicopter," said Pall Aeropower President Jim Western. "The Centrisep EAPS provides critical protection for personnel and aircraft by preventing airborne contamination that can cause engine failure and by enhancing safety, reliability, availability and performance."

In addition to separating dust and sand from inlet air, the Centrisep EAPS also effectively preserves the life of the helicopter's engines, the company said.

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook has been a mainstay of the U.S. Army's helicopter fleet since its original deployment to Vietnam in the early 1960s. The helicopter is principally used for the movement of troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, water, supplies and equipment on the battlefield. It is also used for disaster relief, medical evacuations, fire fighting, parachute drops and search and rescue.

Delivery of the units will begin in December and finish in November 2012.