Various departure procedures tested: aircraft noise remains approximately the same with F-35A fighter jets as with F/A-18s

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In Meiringen BE there is a slight decrease in noise pollution, in Payerne VD it is slightly higher and in Emmen LU it remains approximately the same. The results were recently presented to the media in Bern by the Federal Ministry of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).

From Tuesday to Thursday, local authorities were informed during information events about the available results and the further steps to be taken to adapt the military sector plan.

It was said that the Federal Ministry of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDBS) aims to keep noise pollution at military airfields as low as possible. The Federal Armaments Office (Armasuisse) has therefore carried out several analyzes to minimize aircraft noise pollution resulting from the operation of the new F-35A fighter jet in Switzerland.
The Swiss Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute (Empa), the air force and aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin were also involved. According to the statement, for example, optimizations of flight geometry or flight speed were analyzed.

The best starting procedures must be selected

According to the statement, various take-off procedures were evaluated together with the manufacturer – on the one hand with regard to optimal climb angles in connection with noise pollution and on the other hand their suitability for flying. Subsequently, different scenarios of take-off procedures were compared with Empa with regard to aircraft noise pollution. This should allow selection of the most appropriate procedures.

Based on these principles, Empa carries out extensive calculations necessary for drawing up future noise registers, it was said. These results took into account the spatial and temporal distribution of flight movements and included all military and civil flight operations in addition to the future flight movements of the F-35A.

The population can have a say

Before the introduction of the F-35A, the object sheets of the three Swiss military airfields in Meiringen, Payerne and Emmen must be adjusted in the military sector plan and the permitted noise pollution must be determined. The adjustment will be decided by the Federal Council, after consultation with the cantons and municipalities and with the participation of the population, and will be binding on the authorities. The permitted noise level is determined by the DDPS following a public requirement in the plan approval process and is binding on everyone.

The DDPS General Secretariat carries out a preliminary coordination process for each military airport. Coordination with the municipalities and cantonal departments takes place in parallel with the development of the real estate sheets and the documents for the plan approval process until the end of 2024.

The predecessor F/A-18 fighter jets have been in use since 1997; Of the 34 purchased machines, 30 are still in use. They were originally scheduled to be retired in 2025. But they must now fly until the 36 new F-35A fighter jets are delivered and can protect and defend Swiss airspace from the 2030s. (SDA)

Source:Blick