QUOTE: Originally posted by UH-1V_CE
There are not very well liked because they increase the engine oil temp by (i think) 8 degrees. Mac should be about to answer this one.
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We didn't use the inlet barrier filters (IBF's in Army speak) but I did get to talk to several CE's about them. From what I gathered, oil temp wasn't the issue, power loss was. If my poor memory serves, I think I remember them saying that you loose about 12% with the IBF's. The desert heat already limits power somewhat. The guys that I talked to were mostly flying A's and any loss is too much with them. It is not that much of an issue with a L because of the additional power available, but it could be the difference between 120 and 150 kts on a 135 degree day and I'll take every bit of go I can when flying in bad guy land.
The real issue with CE's was maintenance. They said it takes 20 min to remove
one before you can get the inlet off. They also have to be cleaned. If any of you have a K&N filter on your ride you know how to do it, they are the same filter only bigger, and there are six of them per A/C.
I guess they are an OK idea but we just flushed our engines twice a month and had pretty good results. The sand did take it's toll, my bird's engines are now .946 and .889 respectively. That gives me an ATF of .917 and I din't always have single engine capability if the #1 engine kicks the bucket.
Mac