Servizi Elicotteristici Italiani (SEI) has received EASA certification for its lightweight cabin-noise and vibration-reduction system called Silens. The system was approved on an AgustaWestland AW139 and FAA certification is expected early this year.
Originally developed in Italy in collaboration with AgustaWestland, the system has demonstrated a reduction in cabin noise from 76 dB (SIL4) to 71 dB (SIL4) at a cruise speed of 140 knots. According to SEI, the reduction allows passengers to converse normally without headsets.
The system uses a number of methods–including installation of a self-supported separation barrier between the passenger cabin shell and fuselage skin–to reduce noise. At the core of the system is a high stiffness-to-weight ratio composite shell that ensures full separation between the cabin and fuselage structure through vibration- and noise-insulation attach points.
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