Ultra announces that its Controls business, located in the UK, has delivered its 1,000th aircraft active noise cancellation (ANC) system. The 1,000th system was delivered to Bombardier's Toronto facility as standard equipment for its Q400 regional turboprop production line.  

Ultra's ANC systems are fitted to all Bombardier's Q200, Q300 and Q400 turboprops and have also been fitted to Bombardier's Challenger 604 business jet, the Hawker Beechcraft King Air corporate turboprops, the Saab 340 and Saab 2000 regional turboprops and, most recently, into the cockpit of the Lockheed Martin C-130 military transport aircraft.  

The ANC system works by dampening the noise-generating vibrations caused by the "beating" of the air from the propeller blades against the fuselage, so that most of the noise and vibration never enters the passenger cabin.  Active Tuned Vibration Absorbers (ATVAs) attached to the fuselage frames initiate out-of-phase counter vibrations to diminish the magnitude of the original vibrations, thereby creating a quieter, lower vibration and more relaxed passenger environment.  

The Bombardier Q400, the world's most technologically advanced turboprop, is now fitted with the third generation of Ultra's system. This is helping the Q400 to maintain its strong sales to airlines around the world.  

Fittingly, the 1,000th system will enter service with Flybe, based in Exeter in the UK. Flybe is the world's largest operator of the Q400 with this latest aircraft delivery taking its fleet of the aircraft to 50.  

Flybe's Director Engineering, Stefan Kontorravdis stated: "We are delighted to be receiving our latest Q400; an aircraft that forms the majority of our fleet. Ultra's active noise system helps to provide a comfortable environment for our passengers and has definitely and positively changed perception of turboprop travel".  

Douglas Caster, Chief Executive, commented: "Ultra strives constantly to innovate in order to provide its customers with a better solution. Aircraft noise and vibration cancellation systems are a great success in this regard and I am delighted that Bombardier's customers and Flybe's passengers benefit from Ultra's innovation."