6 Decibels For 0.5% Thrust: The Engine Trade-Off Boeing Made & Airbus Refused

Boeing’s use of engine chevrons represents a specific approach to mitigating sonic boom noise generated by aircraft engines, particularly during takeoff and landing. These chevrons were designed as a response to concerns regarding the impact of jet engine sound on communities near airports. According to internal Boeing documents, the company implemented this technology with the goal of reducing engine noise levels by six decibels for a thrust increase of just 0.5 percent. This trade-off was made in order to address regulatory pressure surrounding noise pollution from commercial airliners. Airbus reportedly chose not to adopt this particular chevron design strategy, opting instead for alternative methods of noise reduction.