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Millions of people are affected by aircraft noise, especially near airports. Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) report promising results from the LNATRA project, which shows that targeted retrofitting of aircraft can significantly reduce noise.
Retrofitting aircraft can reduce aircraft noise by up to three decibels
The DLR announced that it had succeeded in reducing noise at specific sources such as the landing gear and flap edges by up to six decibels. Overall, the noise from an overflight was reduced by three decibels, which equates to a noise reduction of approximately 30 percent for people on the ground. The findings were based on flight tests with the A320 ATRA research aircraft, which took place at Cochstedt Airport from 2016 to 2019. Various noise reduction technologies, such as special edge patterns on engine exhausts and porous materials, were tested.
Technological innovations under test
The LNATRA research project relied on innovative technology: Eight different noise reduction technologies were integrated, including new fairings for the landing gear. Acoustic data was recorded via a microphone array. These measurements were compared with wind tunnel tests and computer simulations to validate the results. The collaboration between practical tests and theoretical investigations demonstrates the efficiency of DLR research.
Balance between climate and noise
It was recognized that additional aircraft protection would increase weight and thus fuel consumption. However, DLR stated that aerodynamic measures could offset these effects. Laminar airflow technologies that reduce drag could make a significant contribution. The DLR findings received particular attention in the international community.
Air traffic: Importance of noise reduction
The DLR emphasized that noise research remains a central component of its work to make air traffic more sustainable. Since aircraft noise has negative health effects, these scientific findings are trickling into larger projects to reduce noise in air traffic. The research offers a way to balance the conflict between climate protection and noise abatement.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is a leader in aerospace research in Germany. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the DLR strives to implement technological advances in air travel that ensure it becomes both more environmentally friendly and quieter.
Aviation quieter: Reducing aircraft noise
DLR researchers are developing new approaches to noise reduction in aviation. Projects such as LU(FT)² 2030 aim to reduce aircraft noise more cost-effectively through intensive simulations. These efforts support the EU’s goal of reducing aircraft noise by 65 percent by 2050.
Innovations for quieter air traffic
The results from the LNATRA project are being incorporated into the ongoing LU(FT)² 2030 research project, which considers not only aircraft noise but also the noise perception of residents. The goal is to use simulations to develop more efficient noise reduction measures and implement them more quickly. These technologies enable the digital design of aircraft with lower noise levels. This allows sound radiation to be assessed early on and noise protection to be integrated into the design process.
Noise protection: steps towards achieving the EU target
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is contributing its work to achieving the EU Commission’s goal of reducing aircraft noise by 65 percent by 2050 compared to 2000 levels. Continuous improvement of simulations could lead to significant progress in the development of quieter aircraft in the future. These measures are crucial to meeting the growing demands for sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation.
Cost-efficient and effective noise reduction measures
The central objectives of the LU(FT)² 2030 project are to reduce the costs and increase the effectiveness of noise reduction measures. More intensive simulation techniques allow the measures to be designed more efficiently and implemented more quickly from the outset. This approach promises not only economic benefits for the aviation industry but also a significant reduction in noise pollution for the population living near airports.
Climate-friendly and quiet air transport of the future
DLR researchers emphasize that their vision is climate-friendly and quiet air traffic. Noise reduction is not only feasible but also worthwhile for everyone involved. By taking a pioneering role in the development of noise reduction technologies, DLR is committed to more sustainable air traffic. This should meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly transport solutions, with technological innovations playing a crucial role.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is Germany’s research center for aerospace and makes a significant contribution to the advancement of technologies. Through numerous projects, the DLR promotes sustainable and advanced solutions for the mobility of tomorrow. Its research generates valuable innovations in the aerospace industry.
