Quiet please

Several technologies are under development at GE Aircraft Engines that address stringent demands from the airlines for reduced noise emissions from new aircraft engines.

GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) has developed quieter versions of its CF6-80C2 engine for the Boeing 747-400XQLR wide-body aircraft, which is targeted for entry into service in 2004. Currently certified on 11 wide-body aircraft models, the CF6-80C2 has logged more than 75 million flight hours with more than 110 customers worldwide since entering service in 1985. The CF6-80C2 powers the Airbus A300 and A310 families, and the Boeing 747,767, and MD-11 aircraft.

The 747-400XQLR is being developed in both passenger and freighter versions and will offer significant improvements over current 747 noise performance. According to Boeing, the 747-400XQLR's overall noise exposure area will be reduced by 20% on takeoff and 40% on landing, compared with that of the 747-400. The noise reduction is a result of changes to the engine's nacelles and nozzles as well as aerodynamic enhancements to the wing of the aircraft (Aerospace Engineering, May 2002).