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NASA ‘Drops’ Hundreds of Microphones for Noise Research

Over 960 microphones off the end of the runway at sunrise.
Boeing / Paul Weatherman

An array of 960 microphones is seen here off the end of runway 11 at Boeing’s research facility near Glasgow, Montana. The microphones were used by NASA to record the sound of a low-flying 787-10 Dreamliner passing overhead as part of the Chicago-based company’s 2020 ecoDemonstrator program during late August and early September. NASA researchers are studying how aircraft noise changes based on the interaction and placement of an airliner’s jet engines in relation to the main airframe and wing. Another 214 microphones were wired to the exterior of the 787 to aid in the studies. The data will be used to help design future airliners be quieter.