CollCooperation Proguns Group with Aerometals marks another significant step in the development of expertise in the field of helicopter aviation. SpóBy expanding its product range and building technological expertise, the company is systematically strengthening its position in the international supply chain for specialized aviation equipment.
Aerometals is a leading U.S. manufacturer of aerospace solutions, specializing, among other things, in engine protection systemshelicopters helicopters.
A key component of Aerometals' product lineare the Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems, whichare designed to protect engines and blades. Their use significantly reduces blade erosion and minimizes wear on, andextends the engine’s service life, which directly translates to lower operating costs, less frequent overhauls, and greater fleet availability.
The support agreement signed on December 15, 2025,tcovers a long-term partnership and will be implemented in European markets.
For Proguns Group, wecocooperation with Aerometals means the ability to offer proven, certified solutions on the Polish market, whichthat significantlyoperational safety of helicoptersand reducefleet maintenance costs. This is particularlyparticularly important in lightthe growing number of helicopter platforms used by the Polish Armed Forces, government agencies, and.
Thanksto this support,, Proguns Group is expanding its portfolio with solutions that support the long-term operation and operational readiness of helicopters, meetingto the current needs of the Polish aviation and defense markets.
Statement by the CEO of Proguns Group S.A.
–“Togetheró“The partnership with Aerometals Inc. represents a significant step for Proguns Group toward further expanding its operations in the aerospace and defense sectors.”
"Our partnership with a renowned, experienced manufacturer from the U.S. enables us to expand our portfolio with technologically advanced solutions, strengthens our expertise in the field of specialized aviation equipment, and allows us to meet the growing needs of the market." —emphasizedMarcin Krajewski, President of the Management Board of Proguns Group S.A.,
"One of themajor challenges currently facing helicopter crewsis operatingoperating in demanding environments in terms of both piloting and the technical durability of the platform. Such environments include desert areas, areas with high dust levels, and, for example, marine and coastal zones.Both dustand salt spray, when they enter the engine’s intake systemsignificantly accelerate the erosionof the compressor blades, reducing the engine’s efficiency and increasing the risk of failure. Salt deposits promote corrosion ofand the degradation of electrical systems, which generates enormous coststo the need for more frequent and additional inspectionsand repairs. Consequently, the above, flight planningunder conditions of high dust or salt content is subject to significant restrictions. In practice, this means a reductionin the number of takeoffsand landingslandings in environments with elevated technical risk, which indirectly affects the scope of crew trainingin the most demandingoperational scenarios.
I should mention that if we focus on helicopter crewsdedicated to special operationsspecial forces, it is precisely these difficult operational conditions that constitute their natural operating environment.Both specialspecial forces, as well asashelicopter pilots should be trained in such a waythat they feelat ease and safe in them. This can only be achieved through systematic training in the situationswe are discussing. These situations willwill place additional psychological pressure on the crew—pressure they must learn to recognize and cope with.
I remember very well the time I spent on missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, where we were constantly surrounded by desert conditions.
The solution to this problem is Aerometals’ high-performance Inlet Barrier Filters, which serve as the first line of defense for the engine,reducing the amount of dust, sand, and salt spray drawn into the intake system. This is particularly important from the perspective of pilots, IBFs reduce theassociated with the need to constantly monitorin high-dust environments. This allows the crew to focus on the mission and situational awareness rather than onbalancingtechnical limitations of the platform.
It should be emphasized thatthatthat the existingódifferences between the standard solutions currently offered with the UH-60/S70i Black Hawk platform. These solutions provide protection only against the largest pieces of FOD (Foreign Object Debris), but are relatively limited when confronting the invisible adversaries—dust and salt spray—that cause the most damage to turbine components.
IBF filters can capture more than 96% of salt and dust particles, which significantly reduces the rate of erosion of the engine’s internal componentsand extendsextends the time between costly overhauls. It is precisely this rdifferencedifference in filtration efficiency is the most important factor from our perspective.
In addition, IBFs are designed so as not to affect flight performance (including the fact that there is no need to use “airspeed correction charts”) and havean STC (Supplemental Type Certificate), which is an additional regulatory approval for installation on Sikorsky platforms. This confirms that the system meets safety and performance requirements while remaining compliant with the airworthiness certificate.
The best endorsement of the validity of their use is the fact that the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) uses IBF, whichwhich, in March 2022, awardedawarded Aerometals a seven-year contract to supplyengine inlet barrier filters (EIBFs) to protect helicopters,on U.S. Army Special Operations helicopters. This confirms that SOCOM is consistently implementing IBF technology as part of efforts to enhance enginein dusty/salty environments. It is also the best endorsement for the practical application of IBF in the most challenging conditions,”– adds the CEO.