Cockpit-wide active noise control system for C-130 Hercules

Citation

(2004), "Cockpit-wide active noise control system for C-130 Hercules", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776caf.008

Cockpit-wide active noise control system for C-130 Hercules

Cockpit-wide active noise control system for C-130 Hercules

Keywords: Cockpit, Aircraft, Noise levels

Ultra Electronics announces that its Controls Division has successfully demonstrated its active noise control system (ANCS) within the cockpit of a C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Using the same technology employed in Ultra's 700 operational airborne ANCSs worldwide, the C-130 system electronically reportedly reduces the dominant propeller noise in the cockpit by more than 15dBc; a reduction in noise power claimed of over 90 per cent.

The Lockheed Martin C-130 range of aircraft entered service in 1954 and has been operated by most of the world's air forces. The noise in the cockpit of the C-130 typically exceeds 100dBc and the reduction effected by the ANCS will reduce crew fatigue, increase crew effectiveness, ease cabin communications and reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss.

Ultra's on-board propeller balance monitoring system (PBMS) is said to greatly simplify the process and reduces the time taken to balance the propellers. According to Ultra Electronics using real in-flight vibration data PBMS was demonstrated to reduce the out-of-balance vibrations by more than 50 per cent compared with the current ground-based procedure.

The trials and installation were performed on an Air National Guard C-130H3 based at Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA. Major General Allen Tackett, Adjutant General West Virginia National Guard said: “The performance of the ANC system is very impressive. I have received only positive comments from the personnel that have flown on the aircraft fitted with the system. From our use so far, we anticipate that it will make a significant difference to the flying crew.”

Rob McDonald, Ultra's Marketing Director, commented: “The ANC System transforms the cockpit of the Hercules. Based on the feedback, so far the system's performance has exceeded everyone's expectations. This West Virginia C-130 is currently unique and the level of cockpit comfort is apparently proving very popular amongst the aircrew, with the aircraft often being nominated for the longer missions. It is currently planned that the aircraft will undergo further demonstrations and evaluation by the USAF. We hope that it will also be possible for invitations to be extended to other nations to fly on the aircraft and to experience first hand the difference that the system makes”.

The PBMS function is already a standard feature of the Bombardier Q400 and has been very successfully retrofitted to in-service Q200 and Q300 aircraft around the world.

Details available from: Ultra Electronics Ltd. Controls Division. Tel: ++44 (0) 208 813 4444.