Acoustic Characteristics of the Cabin of the Research Platform on the Airbag IL-PRC-600m

Hovercrafts are a universal means of transport intended for use on flat surfaces such as water, ice, snow, swamp, or sand. They are used in rescue operations and patrolling difficult areas inaccessible to other means of transport. The Institute of Aviation conducted acoustic measurements inside the cabin of the hovercraft to determine the source of the noise and the sound pressure exerted on the pilot and passengers. Assessment of the sources of noise in the cabin is made using the acoustic beamforming method. Assessment of the level of noise to which a pilot is exposed during the operation was prepared on the basis of a standard specifying the requirements and methods of determining occupational noise exposure [1].

The test results indicate a significant penetration of noise from the drivetrain into the cabin. It is recommended that a hovercraft pilot and operators use hearing protection in some specified conditions and during testing. Thus it is pointed out in the summary that additional soundproofing of the cabin is needed. The points of the greatest penetration of noise into the interior have been indicated.