How do you stop aircraft noise?

Where would we be without air travel? It’s revolutionised how we connect with the world, connecting distant places in just a matter of hours – journeys that once would have taken weeks or months. 

But this incredible leap in transportation comes with a significant challenge – aircraft noise. Standing near a runway during takeoff, you can experience noise levels that soar to 140 decibels (dB), a volume that presents serious risks to our well-being. 

This is where IAC Acoustics Australia steps in. With our expertise in engineered noise control solutions, we’re helping to make the skies quieter and our lives a bit more peaceful. 

Here’s a quick overview of how we’re helping to keep a lid on aircraft noise.  

Aero testing

Before an aircraft is cleared for takeoff it needs to be tested to ensure that every part of the engine operates safely and efficiently. This process involves a number of comprehensive checks, including noise testing, which is vital for meeting environmental regulations and safeguarding community well-being.

IAC Acoustics contributes to aero testing by designing and manufacturing:

Multi-engine test cells: These facilities are specifically designed for simultaneous testing of multiple aircraft engines. They provide critical data on how engines perform under various conditions, including their noise output. This helps ensure that engines not only deliver the necessary power to stay in the air but also comply with strict noise regulations.

Hush houses: Essentially sophisticated soundproof chambers, hush houses allow for full-throttle testing of jet engines in an enclosed environment. The key here is their ability to replicate operational conditions while significantly muffling the noise. This setup enables thorough testing of engines without the risk of noise pollution in surrounding areas.

Ground run-up enclosures (GREs): These are specialised areas for conducting high-power engine tests, usually as a final check before an aircraft re-enters service. The design focuses on containing and reducing noise emissions, allowing for necessary engine run-ups without excessively impacting nearby areas.

Each facility designed by IAC Acoustics plays a significant role in ensuring that aircraft engines are not only safe and reliable, but also meet the highest standards of environmental noise control.

Airfield Noise Control:

Once the engines are tested and the aircraft is ready, there’s still the challenge of noise at the airfield. Our solutions here include jet blast deflectors, as well as the GREs we’ve already mentioned. 

Jet blast deflectors are ingeniously designed barriers that serve a dual purpose: they protect infrastructure and people from the powerful force of air – the jet blast – produced by jet engines, along with the accompanying noise. These deflectors also help manage airflow around the airfield, enhancing operational safety. Our deflectors are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each airfield, whether it’s a small private airstrip or a large international airport.

75 years of aero noise control

With a rich history in aviation noise control dating back to 1949, IAC Acoustics Australia brings unmatched expertise in ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility on the airfield. Our innovative, tailored solutions are a testament to the power of expert engineering in tackling the complex challenges of aircraft noise.

Interested in learning more about how IAC Acoustics can help manage aircraft noise? Reach out to discover more about our cutting-edge solutions and how they can enhance your operations.