5 mind-blowingly massive engines

When it comes to engines, bigger is definitely better. These beasts of machinery are responsible for powering some of the world’s most impressive vehicles, power plants, and mining equipment.

Want to know just how big we’re talking? Read on to find out about five of the world’s largest engines — and the ear-splitting noise they produce…

Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C

The Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C is a true giant of the engine world. Weighing in at a whopping 2,300 tons, this behemoth is used to power the world’s largest container ships and is responsible for keeping them moving across the open seas.

But just how big is this thing? Well, it’s 13.5m high, which is about the same as one and a half London buses stacked nose to bumper. And when this engine is running, it generates enough energy to power a small city. But with great power comes great noise, so you’d better believe the ship’s crew need ear defenders when it’s running.

GE LM2500 gas turbine

Next on the list is the GE LM2500 gas turbine. First built in the 1960s, this engine is used to power aircraft carriers and other naval ships — and that’s unsurprising, given that it’s capable of producing in excess of 30,000 horsepower. To put that in perspective, most Ferraris have around 500 under the bonnet.

Without noise attenuation, the sound produced by the LM2500 is loud enough to cause hearing damage to anyone working close to it. It could also cause problems underwater, where noise travels long distances and can disrupt marine life. Thankfully, specialists like Wiltech Acoustics are on hand to mitigate that.

Bucyrus-Erie 3850-B power shovel

Also known as ‘Big Hog,’ this behemoth is a true force to be reckoned with. Capable of moving mountains (literally), the 3850-B is the go-to machine for heavy-duty mining operations. But don’t let its size fool you, this huge hunk of metal is also a speed demon, capable of digging at a rate of 22 cubic yards per minute. So if you’re looking for an engine that can handle the heaviest of loads and get the job done in a flash, the 3850-B is your machine!

Of course, given its size, Big Hog doesn’t just purr along quietly. The engine powering the shovel produces a deafening roar, so specialist noise-cancelling ear defenders are an essential piece of kit for operators.

General Electric GE90-115B turbofan

Meet the GE90-115B, the ultimate power player in the world of jet engines. Weighing in at a massive 11,500 pounds (more than 5 tonnes), this engine is capable of producing an astonishing 127,900 pounds of thrust. That’s like trying to hold back a herd of elephants with a single rope.

But that’s not all, the GE90-115B is also known for its impressive fuel efficiency, meaning it can fly longer distances without needing to refuel. It’s used by some of the biggest planes, such as the Boeing 777. But it does cause quite a racket — during takeoff, engine noise is likely to exceed 140 decibels on the runway, which could damage a person’s hearing hundreds of metres away.

Siemens SWT-6.0-154 wind turbine

The Siemens SWT-6.0-154 is the wind turbine that’s taking the renewable energy world by storm. This giant turbine has a sweeping area of 18,600 meters and a power output of 6 megawatts, meaning it’s capable of generating enough power to light up a small town or around 6,000 households.

Not only is it big and powerful, but it’s also incredibly efficient, with relatively few moving parts and a weight of less than 360 tonnes. That means it can be installed in weeks if not days — and yet it lasts for years. A true game-changer for renewable energy,

Wiltech Acoustics helps to mitigate engine noise with specialist solutions that protect people and the environment. Contact us to find out more.