Defining the Cockpit Noise Hazard, Aircrew Hearing Damage Risk and the Benefits Active Noise Reduction Headsets Can Provide

Authors: S. James; QINETIQ LTD KENT (UNITED KINGDOM) FUTURE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY DIV

Abstract:

Over the years, cockpit noise levels in military aircraft have been steadily increasing, particularly in fast jets. As the noise levels increase, greater levels of personal hearing protection are required to keep aircrew noise dose within legislative levels and speech and non-speech signal communications intelligible during front line operations. If the predictions of noise levels in the next generation of fast jets are confirmed, then even more effective mitigation techniques will be needed. This paper outlines the problem areas in the military cockpit including the contribution cockpit noise and electrical communications make to aircrew noise dose and the benefits offered by newer personal protection technologies such as Active Noise Reduction. Results of both experimental trials and in-service operational trials are presented.

Limitations:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE