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January 2, 1996
Web posted at: 3:00 p.m. EST
From Correspondent Miles O'Brien
PEACHTREE CITY, Georgia (CNN) -- For regional airlines, business is booming. But the workhorses of their fleets, turboprop planes, often leave passengers grumbling about bumpy rides and cramped, noisy cabins.
According to a CNN/US News Poll, 15 percent of Americans say noise is a problem on airplanes. The airlines aren't turning a deaf ear to the complaints. In fact, they are considering new technology to diminish the din.
The Lord Corporation has created an active noise cancellation system and installed it on a turboprop plane for demonstration purposes. Small microphones placed strategically throughout the cabin continuously record the noise frequency, or sound waves, generated by the engines. The information is relayed to an on-board computer that generates the mirror image of those sound waves and sends it to speakers also placed in the cabin. Lord engineer Guy Billoud explained that the mirror image cancels out the primary wave, reducing noise. (136K AIFF sound or 136K WAV sound)
A noise meter -- and passengers' ears -- confirms a significant reduction in blare when the system is activated. Lord Corporation says its system can reduce interior noise in a turboprop plane by as much as 70 percent, while noise in a jetliner with tail-mounted engines can be cut as much as 90 percent.
"A successful demonstration is going to create an opportunity next year for introduction into at least one major airline," said Lord's Tom Guckert. "I'm sure others will follow."
Similar technology is available right now on a much smaller scale for individuals looking for the sound of silence. The Noisebuster, which resembles a personal stereo, generates the same noise-canceling sound waves that Lord's systems does. It can be used alone or in conjunction with a CD or tape player, and it carries a $100 price-tag.
The Lord system can run about $35,000. It is a significant cost, but one that commuter airlines might be willing to incur as they look for ways to make their passengers more comfortable. Noise-cancellation might just cancel some complaints.
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