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Projects - United States Postal Service (USPS)

Alaska Hovercraft Noise Characterization, 1996

Due to the high cost of delivering mail to remote locations in Alaska using floatplanes, the US Postal Service investigated the possibility of using air-cushion vehicles. As part of their investigation, Volpe Acoustics performed noise level characterizations of two models being considered: The Bell-Textron LACV-30 and the British Hovercraft Corp. AP-1.88. Tests were conducted outside of Anchorage, Alaska, (Base of Alaska Hovercraft Ventures ) on Fire Island. Individual hovercraft pass-bys were measured and recorded at multiple distances.

Sponsor: United States Postal Service

Hovercraft Underwater Noise Measurements January 2000

As a part of the Volpe Center's continued support of the US Postal Service's hovercraft mail delivery demonstration project in Alaska, Volpe Acoustics measured underwater sound levels of hovercraft and other common transportation sources. Measurements were undertaken on the snow- and ice-covered Johnson and Kuskokwim Rivers in Kasigluk and Bethel, Alaska, to examine the potential effects of underwater noise on blackfish, a common food source for the local population.

Sponsors: United States Postal Service