Originally Posted by
charliegolf
Knowing RAF/MODPE it was probably twice the cost of the stuff that would keep the noise out, too!
CG
When Sea King AEW Mk2s became the first a/c to have an integrated ANR in 1997, the scientists said one of the 'selling points' would be the system negated the need for soundproofing, thus reducing weight, and increasing fuel load and time on task.
It was pointed out that the real purpose of 'soundproofing' was to protect the precious wiring, hydraulic pipes, etc. underneath it from prying fingers and stray boots. Only the soundproofing out of harms way could be removed, and only then if the a/c remained within CogG limits; which was marginal.
At the time, the main cause of failure of one of the MAW LRUs beneath the seats in the Mk4 was 'bayonet insertion' into the cooling intake/fan, by bored RMs.