GEOFF THOMAS

Global landing gear company Messier-Dowty has been awarded a $2.9-million contract for the research and design of low-noise landing gear, a component that generates around a quarter of the noise of an aircraft on final approach.

Until the 1960s, engine noise dominated overall aircraft noise levels and the sound generated by the airframe was negligible in comparison. However, the introduction of the high bypass ratio turbofan in the early 1970s led to a major advance in engine technology and related noise reduction.

As a result, the airframe noise component has become considerably more important. Messier-Dowty's efforts are part of SILENCE(R), a four-year European technology platform launched to improve the environmental friendliness of commercial aircraft, especially external noise generated by both engines and airframe components such as the undercarriage.

The SILENCE(R) consortium, coordinated by Messier-Dowty's parent company Snecma Moteurs, has 51 partners representing 16 countries.

Messier-Dowty will have three major areas of responsibility: Design of low-noise landing gear; full-scale flight tests; and large-scale component tests.

Contribution

Says Louis Le Portz, chairman and chief executive: "Messier-Dowty is proud to be involved with research into lowering aircraft noise, including that generated by landing gear. "We recognise that the industry has a responsibility across Europe and beyond to minimise the negative impact of commercial aviation on local communities, while introducing new aircraft to accommodate growth and improve service. Quieter landing gear is one area where we can make a significant contribution to this goal.

"International standards governing the noise of newly manufactured aircraft are developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and current standards were established in 1977. Since 1991 a major review has been undertaken within ICAO and a significant number of airports have implemented their own rules, some of which are more severe than international ones.

Messier-Dowty undercarriage units are in service on more than 15,000 aircraft making more than 20,000 landings every day. The company supplies 30 airframe makers and supports 600 operators of large civil aircraft, regional and business aircraft, military aircraft and helicopters.

Source: Flight Daily News