Cullum Detuners

Kevin McEneny, International Sales Director

This is the nubbin of Cullum Detuners’ storied legacy. Its journey took a monumental turn with the development of the jet engine by Frank Whittle in the UK, a challenge that led them to pioneer the first detuners in the 1940s, explicitly designed to reduce gas turbine noise.

Today, Cullum is a marker of proficiency and inventiveness in jet engine test cells and aerial acoustic equipment. Its expertise in sound and its nuances is serving major OEMs like Rolls Royce and GE Aerospace. They collaborate to address complex acoustic challenges in jet engine testing for next-generation engines with higher power and thrusts.

Underpinning this innovation, Graham Thornton, chairman of Cullum Detuners, emphasises, “Acoustics is at the heart of what we design and manufacture, and it is the cornerstone of Cullum’s existence.”

Cullum’s strength lies in its ability to offer bespoke solutions that range from enhancing existing test cells to designing and implementing new ones or adapting old cells for contemporary engine models.

The services range offered by Cullum—including consultation, design, manufacturing, and complete turnkey installations—is a testament to its clients’ needs and the industry’s advancement.

Cullum has the competency to address the needs of commercial and military aviation sectors.In commercial space, it adapts to new engine technologies like the Safran LEAP engine.The shift has led to an increased focus on overhauling older engines like CFM 56s, which Cullum expertly facilitates by modifying existing test cells to accommodate these engines.

In the military sector, it shines in creating specialised facilities known as hush houses and on-wing test facilities, particularly for the US Air Force and the UK’s Royal Air Force. These acoustic buildings, integrated with detuners, are designed for discreet and efficient engine testing, allowing for operations that require a controlled, noise-sensitive environment. This dual focus on civil and military applications illustrates Cullum’s adaptability and comprehensive understanding of the aerospace industry’s varying requirements.

Another significant aspect of Cullum’s offering is the array of aeroacoustics products that form the backbone of its test cells. These include acoustic baffles, turning vents, engine stands, and thrust measurements. These components are part of a complete package of building new test cells, mostly for civil engines. Cullum’s hush-houses serve as state-of-the-art solutions for military testing, accommodating the latest in military jet technology.

“To make processes in our industry quieter, safer, and greener, we believe in working closely with our customers, collaborating to resolve their challenges and engineering solutions that last,” says Kevin McEneny, international sales director of Cullum Detuners.

The engagement often begins with a thorough field or engineering design study to assess the impact of constructing or modifying a test cell on the surrounding community. This careful consideration of environmental and community impact is a hallmark of Cullum’s approach. For instance, a project with Safran in Miami conducted an extensive survey of the local area to understand the background noise before proposing a solution that complied with local acoustical requirements. This mindfulness reflects Cullum’s commitment to balancing technical excellence with environmental and social responsibility.

Embracing change and innovation, Cullum is actively involved with the new generation of military engines and fighter jets, collaborating with manufacturers to develop equipment for higher power, higher thrust engines. This endeavour spans the US and Europe, highlighting the company’s global expertise and adaptability to evolving aerospace technologies.

Cullum is concentrating on expanding its presence in the US market. Having long been a part of the US Department of Defence , the company is now focusing on a resurgence of effort to secure more business in the States. Establishing a US-based office in Virginia and involvement in various Air Force Base initiatives mark significant steps in this direction.

The noise of jet engines has been reduced by 75 percent since the first jet engine planes were built 46 years ago. This phenomenal progress fuels Cullum’s vision of a future where planes blend seamlessly into our soundscapes, further diminishing noise pollution and making the dream of near-silent aircraft a foreseeable reality. Looking ahead, Cullum Detuners is a crucial contributor to a quieter, more sustainable aviation future.