Donaldson Company Selected to Develop Filtration System for U.S. Army Abrams-Crusader Common Engine Program

    MINNEAPOLIS--Nov. 29, 2001--General Dynamics Land Systems has selected Donaldson Company, Inc. , to develop and manufacture prototype and pre-production Pulse Jet Air Cleaner (PJAC(R)) filtration systems for the U.S. Army Abrams-Crusader Common Engine Program (ACCE). The objective of the ACCE program is to retrofit current engines in the M1 Abrams main battle tank fleet with new Honeywell LV100-5 gas turbine engines, and also install the LV100-5 engines in new Crusader artillery systems.
    Donaldson's self-cleaning PJAC filtration technology will provide a high-performance air filtration system suitable for the most demanding environmental conditions. Due to the high dust conditions encountered during Desert Storm, battle tank engine filters needed to be cleaned as often as every 15 miles. By installing the PJAC self-cleaning engine filtration systems, tanks can travel hundreds of miles before service is required and overall operating costs are reduced.
    "Donaldson's PJAC self-cleaning capability represents a breakthrough in mobile filtration technology that will significantly enhance the mission capability of Abrams and Crusader vehicles operating in dusty environments," said Gary Gillingham, director, Defense Engineering, Donaldson Company.
    The PJAC engine filtration system automatically back-flushes the filters, scouring contaminants away from the filter and discarding the debris. This provides the engines with more efficient airflow leading to more reliable operation and reduced fuel consumption. During lab testing, the first generation PJAC system currently installed in M1 tanks demonstrated that it could easily filter more than a ton of dust without requiring service. Donaldson's Defense Engineering Group is developing the next generation PJAC system -- two-thirds the size of its predecessor -- for the new Honeywell gas turbine engines. The new engines will be lighter, smaller and more fuel efficient, yet will deliver comparable power. "Working in an 18-month developmental timeframe, our goal is have the first PJAC prototypes operating in tanks during the fourth quarter of 2002," said Gillingham. "We are proud to be a part of this important Army initiative. Our strength in research and development and patented filtration technology is helping grow our Defense Group, which has been developing air filtration systems for the majority of U.S. Army vehicles, including main battle tanks, personnel carriers and combat support vehicles for years."

    Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial and engine markets including dust collection, power generation, specialty filtration, off-road equipment and trucks. More than 8,200 employees contribute to the company's success at 40 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2001, Donaldson reported record sales of more than $1.1 billion and achieved its 12th consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.