The headset creates physical vibrations from an audio signal that travel through facial bones into the inner ear. Image credit: BAE Systems.BAE Systems is adapting cutting-edge bone conduction technology for Land Rover BAR’s world-class sailing team as it chases the dream of winning the 2017 America’s Cup.

The technology, which uses the body’s natural ability to transmit sound through bone conduction, is being used to improve communication among crewmates and support boats. BAE Systems’ expertise in bone conduction, used elsewhere to aid armed forces personnel on the battlefield, has allowed it to develop a communications device enabling users to keep both ears free so external sounds can be heard, while providing the ability to communicate clearly with crewmates amid harsh and noisy conditions. The prototype headset creates physical vibrations from an audio signal that travel through facial bones into the inner ear, which translates these vibrations into nerve impulse signals sent to the brain, allowing the user to hear audible sound.

“The system we have developed is able to deal with the large amount of background noise, which can affect the clarity of the speech being transmitted, and is also rugged enough to operate in the extreme conditions sailors are regularly put through,” says Mohammed Akhmad, principal scientist at BAE Systems.

Communication is essential to making smart tactical and strategic decisions when racing, with crews having to operate in highly pressurized environments, sailing at speeds up to 50 mph in adverse weather conditions. This can cause regular headsets to fill with water and become muffled, making clear communication among the racing crew and support staff almost impossible.

“Onboard communication is something that we have identified as a real performance differentiator," says Land Rover BAR sailor Matt Cornwell. "We have had to step up our game from the pre-2010 era when a headset was ‘a nice-to-have’ and you could get the job done with some fairly basic kit."