Chemical giant BASF is claiming its Basotect open-celled melamine foam is both improving sound insulation and saving weight in the Russian Helicopters Mi-8. Used for an executive cabin refurbishing, it has cut interior noise from 85 to 80 dB. It has also saved 530 pounds, compared with the previous insulation arrangement. The special foam is affixed to “selected noise-intensive points,” at a thickness of 40 mm.