Lochard has reinforced its position as the industry leader in airport noise monitoring with the delivery of its 1000th Environment Monitoring Unit (EMU) to Hilo International Airport in Hawaii. More than 130 airports now use Lochard’s EMUs and Airport Noise and Operations Management Systems to manage their environmental impact.

Lochard developed the first EMU in 1993 as the first fully digital outdoor noise monitor, designed specifically to excel in the harsh outdoor environments found at airports. The EMU was updated in 2005 to take advantage of Internet communications and advances in signal processing and computing. This latest model, the Internet EMU 2, has enjoyed great success with over 300 being delivered in the last 3 years. The Internet EMU 2 is the only specialised airport noise monitor that has been Type 1 certified to meet IEC standards by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) independent testing laboratories.

The EMU 2 provides important advantages over other airport noise monitors including:

• Data Precision – unique digital design and advanced calibration techniques ensure precise measurements over the long term
• Data Completeness – robust solid state engineering removes the need for unreliable hard disks and unreliable communications links – the most common source of problems with other monitors
• Data Confidence – peace of mind through continuous remote status monitoring from the Lochard Data Center
• Advanced Features – the EMU’s secure web server provides browser access to setup, calibrate and work with data. It provides audio streaming and live data feeds to Lochard’s WebTrak community websites
• Installation Flexibility – using solar power and cellular and wireless IP communications in hard to access locations. The EMU is available in fixed and portable configurations.

Lochard’s EMU has proven its durability and reliability through over 15 years of installations ranging from deserts to the tropics and the arctic. Unlike its competitors, the EMU’s bullet proof design ensures data accuracy and completeness without the need for heating or cooling to protect delicate equipment.

“Any Airport Manager who has ever had their noise data challenged understands the importance of getting it right.” explains Mike Rikard-Bell, Lochard’s head of Sales & Marketing. “The EMU’s goal is simple, it’s Data Beyond Question. Anything less puts your airport at risk.”

The 1000th EMU will be installed in the Hawaii DOT’s multi-airport ANOMS system currently monitoring Honolulu and Hilo airports. Three additional airports are planned to be added in the coming years.