Press Release: EU research for cheaper, greener and quieter aircraft

European-funded research projects to reduce aircraft noise and fuel consumption are now running at full speed. Included is one of Europe's largest-ever noise-reduction research ventures, known as SILENCE(R). A consortium of 51 companies is testing new technologies to reduce aircraft noise by up to 6 decibels (dB) by 2008, with the EU contributing half the funding for SILENCE(R), with a total budget over €110 million. Other significant initiatives include FRIENDCOPTER, to reduce helicopter engine and rotor-blade noise; TANGO, to create lighter aircraft structures; EEFAE, to build aero-engines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions; and AWIATOR, to decrease aircraft structural weight, reduce noise and improve performance.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/research/aeronautics/index_en.html http://ec.europa.eu/comm/research/aeronautics/index_en.html

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