“It must be shown that each turbine engine and its air inlet system can operate throughout the flight power range of the engine (including idling), in snow, both falling and blowing, without adverse effect on engine operation, within the limitations established for the rotorcraft” (ref JAR/FAR-27/29.1093).
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Helicopters tend to operate closer to the ground for longer periods of time than fixed wing aircraft. Therefore helicopter engines can be more exposed to ground environmental conditions, such as snow, ice and heavy rain. For example, landing on an unprepared field may result in snow being sucked into the engine air intake.
In addition, wet snow can accumulate in the fuselage in front of the engine air inlet and then be ingested into the engine as concentrated slush.
Blockage of the engine air inlet will limit the airflow through the engine. If there is a severe restriction, engine stall and flameout can occur.
If sufficient snow is ingested into the combustor system, compressor damage and engine flameout can be the result.
Therefore build-up of snow/ ice on the engine or the engine air intake must be avoided.
The Centrisep engine advanced protection system (EAPS) offers excellent protection against snow and icing. The system has been certified to JAR/FAR specifications on many applications, including re-circulating and falling snow, with no further flight restrictions on the helicopter.
Centrisep EAPSs are certified for operation in known and inadvertent snow and icing weather operation on many helicopters worldwide. The systems have proven service experience in the most severe environments with no degradation of engine performance.
