Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL) a global leader in filtration, separation and purification systems and technologies, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Russian Helicopters, JSC to provide Centrisep® air cleaner filters for Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 civil transport helicopters. A service bulletin authorizing installation of the Centrisep filters is anticipated following completion of standard flight trials this summer.

Russian Helicopters is one of the largest helicopter producers in the world. The company's Mil Mi-8 is the aerospace industry's most-produced helicopter, with approximately 12,000 craft manufactured since 1968 and over 2500 currently in service. More than 1000 of the heavier transport Mi-17 version, introduced in 1974, are currently in-service and the helicopter is still in production.

Pall's Centrisep air cleaners protect helicopter engines from airborne contamination by utilizing centrifugal force to continuously remove particles, such as sand, dust and salt spray, before they can enter the engine air intake. The engine air particle separator (EAPS) technology extends the life of a helicopter engine against erosion, while enhancing engine safety, reliability, availability and performance. Centrisep air cleaners are a "Fit and Forget", environmentally sustainable solution which can be certified for all-weather operation.

"We've been working toward this partnership for some time and are delighted to have concluded an agreement," said Andrei Shibitov, CEO, Russian Helicopter. "The new particle separators will significantly enhance the engine operation performance of our Mi-8/17 helicopters, which is particularly important for operators of the Russian-made helicopters in the Middle East and Africa. We are also considering further cooperation with Pall on upgrading our other models, particularly the Mi-38, Ka-226T and others."

"We appreciate the opportunity to provide our engine protection technology to Russian Helicopters. We're looking forward to a long-term collaboration in advancing the state of helicopter performance," said Jim Western, president, Pall Aerospace and Transportation.

Over 40,000 helicopters are currently in service worldwide, excluding piston-powered, single-engine craft. Industry forecasts project over $14 billion revenue in additional helicopter production in 2010.

Pall Aerospace provides fluid filtration and separation solutions for a broad range of military and commercial aircraft. Its filter products are used on all major rotorcraft brands worldwide. Centrisep air cleaners have been protecting helicopter engines since the 1960s. Over fifty different designs have been certified and operate worldwide.