Overview of the Engine Inlet Barrier Filter Flight Test Efforts on the V-22

This paper summarizes recent flight tests conducted at Bell Helicopter Textron with a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey Advanced Technology Tilt Rotor (ATTR). The test and validation program developed a barrier-type engine air filtration system that significantly extends the engine performance for flight operations in austere environments such as sand, dust, and saltwater. The flight test program covered not only the broad flight envelope of the V-22, but also sand/dust environment flights at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. Saltwater flights at Eglin AFB, Florida, were also executed with measurable success. This paper will discuss the entire engine air filter test program in all of its four phases and will include results for each of the phases. The V-22 readiness level stands to improve with the addition of this main engine inlet barrier filter system. A substantial savings in engine overhaul cost is anticipated over the life of the program.