Last week, I flew on a Spanair A320 (actually the newest in the fleet, EC-IOH, delivered last May) from Munchen to Valencia, and I was sitting in row 4, just next to the RR-engine. At take-off, the very specific roaring of the engine was very loud, until almost top of climb. Only the RR powered A-320's (and of course A319's and A-321's) produce this particular sound, which seems to be very specific for just this type of engine, and is totally different from the sound of every other jet engine. This sound is almost like the sound of a propeller. What causes this sound? Is it the fan? It disappears when the engine power is reduced after take-off.
Thanks for your information.
Peter
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Also the CFM56 produce that sound.
It's called buzz sound and it's produced by the fan and the compressor and it's typical of high by-pass engines.
It's called buzz sound and it's produced by the fan and the compressor and it's typical of high by-pass engines.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Sorry, of course I meant the IAE V2500-engine, not RR..
The CFM-56 also produces this sound, but is distinctively quieter...
The CFM-56 also produces this sound, but is distinctively quieter...
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I absolutely love that sound.
Jim
What a long strange trip it's been
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Actually it is called "buzz saw noise". I love it !!!
GeneralA
GeneralA
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I've never flown with A320's equipped with V2500 and I though that CFM's were more louder than V2500
I heard sometime ago the sound of B777 PW during take-off and it seemed a piston engine!
I heard sometime ago the sound of B777 PW during take-off and it seemed a piston engine!
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
The NW DC-10-30s that I used to fly in had the same roaring, buzzing sound on takeoff and climb. If I'm not mistaken, I think they had GE CF6s. I sure do miss that sound!
-N243NW
-N243NW
B-52s don't take off. They scare the ground away.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
If I'm not wrong, the L1011's produce that sound as well
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RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Even the 737-800 makes that sound if you're sitting right next to or just in front of the engine. But the A320 is really distinct. When an A320 is flying straight towards you it sounds different- more like a "whoooooooo" sound then side-on it's totally different. From inside the "buzzsaw" sound is very loud.
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RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
The F-100 sounds like a race car when the engines are at full power!
co
co
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I believe the sound is caused by the tips of the blades on the bypass fan breaking the sound barrier.
B727-200.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
B727-200 has it right.
Having flown frequently on BA's A320s, my heart sinks if a CFM machine pulls up to the gate. You expect the buzzsaw noise to disappear at reduction height as it reverts to climb thrust, but noooooo! its with you the whole time till descent.
I'm sure its different in the back, but I seem to find myself over the wing or forward of it every time.
The IAE 2500s on the new ones are a delight in comparison.
Regards - Musang
Having flown frequently on BA's A320s, my heart sinks if a CFM machine pulls up to the gate. You expect the buzzsaw noise to disappear at reduction height as it reverts to climb thrust, but noooooo! its with you the whole time till descent.
I'm sure its different in the back, but I seem to find myself over the wing or forward of it every time.
The IAE 2500s on the new ones are a delight in comparison.
Regards - Musang
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I agree with Jim and others, in that I positively love that noise! Most recently I flew on an America West 757 from PHX to SFO in first class, well in front of the engines but prime "buzz saw noise" location. In my experience, this noise seems to be quite unique to the Rolls Royce turbofans.
Canon junkie - Aviation Nut
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
In my experience with 757s, RR engines do seem to have a more pronounced "Buzz-saw" noise.
When Im spotting here in PHX, and an HP 752 starts its takeoff roll, I always make sure to tell my friends to shut up because the best sound you will ever hear is approaching.
But then another non-RR engined 757 will takeoff, and you can notice it lacking the overpowering buzzsaw noise.
I LOVE IT
When Im spotting here in PHX, and an HP 752 starts its takeoff roll, I always make sure to tell my friends to shut up because the best sound you will ever hear is approaching.
But then another non-RR engined 757 will takeoff, and you can notice it lacking the overpowering buzzsaw noise.
I LOVE IT
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I guess it is the same sound I heard on Gulf Air's A340's and A320's on my last trip. Sitting in 2nd row 1st class on both types, I first thought something was wrong, as I had never flown in the position on an airbus before. The sound faded away while reaching the top of climb/cruise speed/altitude.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
All of NWA's DC10's, A319/320, 757's make that noise on takeoff. On the airbus and 757 you can hear it if seated forward of the wing during takeoff, and on the DC10's you can hear in the entire cabin due to the tail mounted engine. NWA uses Pratt & Whitney engines. Acutally on the 319 if seated at the 1L door it can be very loud.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I believe the sound is caused by the tips of the blades on the bypass fan breaking the sound barrier.
yep. it is also heard on many prop aircraft. always makes it interesting. i also like the sound of wind entering a nacelle from the rear. that howl is pretty cool!
yep. it is also heard on many prop aircraft. always makes it interesting. i also like the sound of wind entering a nacelle from the rear. that howl is pretty cool!
"...cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home."
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I am shocked nobody has mentioned the growling sound that a RR RB-211 powered 747-400 makes during take off! That is by far my favourite! The BA 777-200 with RR engines sounds very nice as well!
Beefmoney, Have you manged to watch Speed Bird 288 Heavy take off from Runway 26 during the evening? If you are at the spot north of there... I say that is my favourite place to watch departures!! You can just feel the power since you are so close!
Beefmoney, Have you manged to watch Speed Bird 288 Heavy take off from Runway 26 during the evening? If you are at the spot north of there... I say that is my favourite place to watch departures!! You can just feel the power since you are so close!
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Rolls-Royce engines make the coolest sound. The deep gutteral growl of them is almost primal. I really miss Delta's L-1011s, you'd always known when one was cranking its' engines across the way on the next concourse, that roar would reverbrate even inside a pillbox. It would make the metal siding inside the stairwells (on ASA's gates on C @ ATL) rattle in tune with the engine. Rolls-Royce engines are by far my favorite.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Hey KaiTak,
Ive never been able to catch the British depart since, as you mentioned, it is so late in the evening. When I do catch it, Im on top of the parking garage which, although gives you a great overview, doesnt give you the sense of power you mention.
That spot just north of 26, the dirt road, is always a great place to sit and watch landings when your eating lunch. Ive done that many times, but not so much as of late due to security guards getting jumpy.
Do you know if the restaraunt just north of 8 is still closed? I used to LOVE going up on top of the building when I was younger. But now it seems to be fenced off.
Ive never been able to catch the British depart since, as you mentioned, it is so late in the evening. When I do catch it, Im on top of the parking garage which, although gives you a great overview, doesnt give you the sense of power you mention.
That spot just north of 26, the dirt road, is always a great place to sit and watch landings when your eating lunch. Ive done that many times, but not so much as of late due to security guards getting jumpy.
Do you know if the restaraunt just north of 8 is still closed? I used to LOVE going up on top of the building when I was younger. But now it seems to be fenced off.
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Reading these posts I am seeing that everyone thinks their plane make a specific noise......
The A320 family does have a distinct sound not shared by any others. I have heard it on the outside watching one take off. On friday will be my first ride inside of one. But their sound is different than any other.
The 737-800 does not sound like an Airbus on takeoff, from the outside.
Also the CRJ has a distinct sound.
bruce
The A320 family does have a distinct sound not shared by any others. I have heard it on the outside watching one take off. On friday will be my first ride inside of one. But their sound is different than any other.
The 737-800 does not sound like an Airbus on takeoff, from the outside.
Also the CRJ has a distinct sound.
bruce
Bruce Leibowitz - Jackson, MS (KJAN) - Canon 50D/100-400L IS lens
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
I juuuust love that sound.
The 757 also produce this sound and some times I heard the 737NG make it.
The 757 also produce this sound and some times I heard the 737NG make it.
It's Scandinavian
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RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Sorry, of course I meant the IAE V2500-engine, not RR..
Actually, you were part right. RR makes the fan blade for the V2500.
Also, The BR715 makes that buzz saw noise. GOD I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
Actually, you were part right. RR makes the fan blade for the V2500.
Also, The BR715 makes that buzz saw noise. GOD I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
Puhdiddle
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
Beefmoney,
The Left Seat Restaraunt's viewing deck is still closed! Very disapointing to see that!! I loved haning out up there as well! But I guess the dirt lot at 26 is the best we have for now! Speaking of which... how often are you out there? I am usually there 3 times a week or so after class. the airport is so close to ASU I cant help but go to see Lufthansa or British Airways!
Cheers!
Brian
The Left Seat Restaraunt's viewing deck is still closed! Very disapointing to see that!! I loved haning out up there as well! But I guess the dirt lot at 26 is the best we have for now! Speaking of which... how often are you out there? I am usually there 3 times a week or so after class. the airport is so close to ASU I cant help but go to see Lufthansa or British Airways!
Cheers!
Brian
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
My first and only A320 flight was 3 years ago. Although it was my first flight since I was about 13 (9 years earlier), I noticed right away that the V2500 engines sounded quite different from the others.
I have flown 19 times since then (mostly on CFM-56 powered 737's, but also a few times on P&W and RR powered 747's + turboprops) and none of them have even sounded remotely similar to the V2500's. I will most likely be flying on 757, 767 and 777 aircrafts next month for the first time, so it will be interesting to compare their engine sounds to the others.
I have flown 19 times since then (mostly on CFM-56 powered 737's, but also a few times on P&W and RR powered 747's + turboprops) and none of them have even sounded remotely similar to the V2500's. I will most likely be flying on 757, 767 and 777 aircrafts next month for the first time, so it will be interesting to compare their engine sounds to the others.
Reykjavik Aviation Photography - Just bring the aircraft to us and we'll photograph them! :-)
RE: Cause Of Specific Sound At Take-off Of A-320?
not sure we need to extend this any further.
just note: the particular sound is named "pure tone" noise, some times oddly called "buzz saw noise".
it characterises a high by-pass ratio turbofan, thus it is coming with all modern engines now to some extent.
it is produced by the fan blades running at relative supersonic airspeed. if there is one frequency emerging only and representing the No. of Blades times Revs, then they call it BPF, the Blade Passing Frequency, if blades group together (totally arbitrary) then a series of frequency emerge; this looks like toothes of a saw on the noise spectrum and sounds like what you folks have heard.
the fan speed varies significantly after take off and the fan mach number changes with altitude and flying speed, thats why this characteristical sound vanishes in climb quite rapidly.
the manufactureres tune the engine ai intakes to absorb most of that sound energy, but like so often in life, they cannot twist the physics totally away.
just note: the particular sound is named "pure tone" noise, some times oddly called "buzz saw noise".
it characterises a high by-pass ratio turbofan, thus it is coming with all modern engines now to some extent.
it is produced by the fan blades running at relative supersonic airspeed. if there is one frequency emerging only and representing the No. of Blades times Revs, then they call it BPF, the Blade Passing Frequency, if blades group together (totally arbitrary) then a series of frequency emerge; this looks like toothes of a saw on the noise spectrum and sounds like what you folks have heard.
the fan speed varies significantly after take off and the fan mach number changes with altitude and flying speed, thats why this characteristical sound vanishes in climb quite rapidly.
the manufactureres tune the engine ai intakes to absorb most of that sound energy, but like so often in life, they cannot twist the physics totally away.