Noisy Data

The F-35 Joint Program Office released today the most recent noise data for the Joint Strike Fighter, finding that the aircraft's noise volume while on the ground is comparable with other legacy fighter platforms.

According to the executive summary of the report, the F-35A, when in the air, is almost equal in noise level to an F-16 with a new-model engine and is at least 10 decibels (dB) lower than the aircraft on two of the three low-altitude flight conditions. It is, however, louder under all conditions than F-16s powered by older-model engines.

Using the F-35A as a stand-in for the C-model, the JPO found the aircraft is slightly louder than the F/A-18C/D on takeoff but has lower noise levels on approach. It's slightly quieter than the F/A-18E/F on takeoff and much quieter on all three approach flight profiles.

The B-variant's noise level is comparable with the AV-8B on approach and is about 5 dB louder on takeoff, according to the report. The aircraft is quieter than the legacy F/A-18C/D during all approaches and is slightly louder on takeoff.