Realistic noise levels in the WWI planes

[British_eh]

Ok, so the engine was loud, but I would imagine if near the Front they would hear the artillery? And how about machine gun bullets? I would guess they may see the damage before hearing it? Certainly from 200 yards away that would be the case?

Ideas?

Cheers,

British_eh

[Lufbery]

Originally Posted by British_eh

Ok, so the engine was loud, but I would imagine if near the Front they would hear the artillery?

It depends on how high they were and how fast they were flying. In Wind in the Wires (which I just finished -- excellent book!) Duncan Grinnell-Milne describes both flying high and not hearing the artillery and flying low and hearing it.

And how about machine gun bullets? I would guess they may see the damage before hearing it? Certainly from 200 yards away that would be the case?

Again, I've read accounts of pilots hearing the actual bullets buzz by them (they were probably still supersonic). I think they'd hear the guns firing too, depending on other sounds (slipstream, their own guns) masking the sound. Even at altitude, sound still travels at ~ 300 yards/meters per second. You'd probably hear the guns of somebody behind you at 50 to 100 yards very shortly after you saw the holes in your wings.

[British_eh]

Thanks so much for your reply.

Was there any reference to actual height and hearing the AA?

Yes, I think unless the EA was on your six at less than 100 yards, you're probably going to hear the bullets, rather than the gun.

Cheers,

British_eh