Why are fighter planes so loud?
Aeorspace engineering students work with Navy to dampen jet engine noise
SlashGear talked to a University of Cincinnati aerospace engineering professor about his efforts to dampen the noise of jet engines. The story was republished in MSN.
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Distinguished Research Professor Ephraim Gutmark and his aerospace engineering students are developing new technology to reduce the noise of jet engines without harming performance.
Ephraim Gutmark.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are the leading causes of military disability claims, affecting more than 3.6 million former service members, according to numbers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA is the biggest employer of audiologists and speech language pathologists in the United States to treat military veterans whose hearing was damaged during their service.
Aerospace engineers at the University of Cincinnati and the Naval Research Laboratory have come up with a new nozzle design for F-18 fighter planes they hope will dampen the deafening roar of the engines without hindering performance.
But noise also limits the siting, expansion and operation of commercial and military airports.
“The main purpose is to reduce the impact on neighboring communities,“ Gutmark told SlashGear.
“The Navy had a big lawsuit in Norfolk, Virginia, from people who lived near the base and complained about hearing problems, sleeping problems and the diminished value of their properties. So the military has to limit its operations and stop operating at certain times of day. It's a severe problem.“
Featured image at top: An F/A-18 Super Hornet's afterburners roar prior to launch aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Photo/ Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo Flannigan
Aerospace engineering students use lasers to study the flow of jet engines in Distinguished Research Professor Ephraim Gutmark's lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
UC engineers drones that know if they're damaged
October 29, 2026
UC engineering students are developing drones that can work in warehouses using a digital twin and others that can warn of damaged propellers or motors before a flight.
UC celebrates a century of Homecoming with a parade, pride and signature win over Texas Tech
October 28, 2026
The University of Cincinnati celebrated its 100th Homecoming. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated No. 8-ranked Texas Tech, 37-24, before a sell-out audience in Nippert Stadium. Photos of Homecoming activities show Bearcats Pride at its finest.
Who is using nicotine pouches?
October 28, 2026
A University of Cincinnati study found that nicotine pouch use increased sharply among U.S. adult tobacco users between 2021 and 2024. Using national YouGov survey data, researchers reported that “ever use” rose from 16.4% to 31.1%, while current use increased from 3% to 10.2%.