Business & GA

KAMAN CONTRACT

Kaman Aerospace has clinched a five-year contract to build composite helicopter blade skins and skin core assemblies for Bell Helicopters. Under the terms of the contract, Kaman will provide 18 different assemblies for the H1, 406, 407, 412, 427, 429, and 430 helicopters as well as the BA609 tiltrotor, which is under development. All work will be performed at Kaman's HeliworX facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut, with first deliveries to Bell's Hurst, Texas base scheduled to begin late this year.

FILTER VENTURE

Aerospace Filtration Systems has partnered with Metro Aviation to develop an inlet barrier filter system for the Eurocopter EC135 light twin engine helicopter on the back on an initial order for five kits. The companies aim to achieve supplemental type certificate for the IBF before next February's Helicopter Association International convention in Houston, Texas. The IBF system features multiple long-life filter assemblies that are internally mounted to the existing EC135 cowlings, thereby eliminating drag. IBF systems for the AgustaWestland AW139, AW109 Power/Grand, Bell 430 and 206L are also under development.