Rotary Wing

Rotary wing aircraft are deployed in many operational scenarios, resulting in a number of different applications that need to be supported.

Crews need ANR headsets that cut down the constant background noise, provide clear communications over the platform intercom and remain comfortable during extended missions.

Special forces and infantry passengers also need this capability, together with equipment that allows them to dismount quickly while still communicate via personal role radios whilst protected from impulse noise.

Racal’s knowledge and experience has enabled the packaging of all of these capabilities into products that deliver reliable communications while being sufficiently robust to withstand the rigours of operational missions.

ANR Modules

The noise experienced on any type of vehicle platform, be it a tracked or wheeled vehicle or a fixed or rotary winged aircraft, has a sub 1Khz frequency element that forms a substantial portion of the noise produced and is best reduced by applying Active Noise Reduction. We have developed headsets in which this noise is sampled, inverted and fedback into the earshell to help cancel the noise component present.

The modular approach has the benefit that it preserves a greater amount of the volume within the earshell enabling a higher level of passive noise reduction to be achieved.

Our innovative technology proved so effective that 3rd party headset providers could see the benefit of including it in their products. By producing a stand-alone module that offers this capability Racal has been able to offer these headset providers with a simple addition to enhance their products. Additionally, a module is easier to retrofit to passive earshells or to upgrade on an OEM basis.

With effective ANR in place headsets comply with Health and Safety legislation requirements on medium and high noise military platforms providing clear, effective communications and enabling the user to complete extended missions comfortably.