NTL Record

Title Noise characteristics of eight helicopters
Record ID 47927
Personal Name
Creator
True, H.C.; Rickley, E. J.
Source 171p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration; John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration
Publication Date 19770700
Language English
Abstract This report describes the noise characteristics of Eight Helicopters during level flyovers, simulated approaches, and hover. The data was obtained during an FAA/DOT Helicopter Noise Program to acquire a data base for possible helicopter noise regulatory action. The helicopter models tested were the Bell 47G, 206L, and 212 (UHIN), the Hughes 300C and 500C, the Sikorsky S-61 (SH-3B) and S-64 (CH-54B) and the Vertol CH-47C. The acoustic data is presented as Effective Perceived Noise Level, A-weighted sound pressure level and 1/3 octave band sound pressure level with a slow meter characteristic per FAR Part 36. Selected waveforms and narrow band spectra are also shown. Proposed methods to quantify impulsive noise ('blade slap') are evaluated for a level flyover for each of the Helicopters. The tested helicopters can be grouped into classes depending upon where the maximum noise occurs during a level flyover. Helicopters with the higher main rotor tip speeds propagate highly impulsive noise ahead of the helicopter. The maximum noise for most of the helicopters occurs near the overhead position and appears to originate from the tail rotor. Unmuffled reciprocating engine helicopters appear to have significant engine noise behind the helicopter. Noise levels, when compared as a function of gross weight and flown at airspeeds to minimize 'compressibility slap' form a band 7 EPNdB wide with a slope directly proportional to gross weight. The quieter helicopters have multibladed rotors and tipspeeds below 700 fps.
Rosap ID dot:10025
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/10025
TRT Terms Helicopters; Aircraft noise; Sound level; Effective sound pressure; Acoustic emission; Acoustic measuring instruments; Rotor blades; Airspeed; Rotors
General Subjects Helicopter noise levels; Effective perceived noise level; Flyover noise time history; Main rotor; Tail rotor; Impulsive noise
Classification AGR - IMPACTS - Environment;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Energy and Environment;
NTL - ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - Aviation Energy and Environment
Geographical
Coverage
Virginia
TRIS Online
Accession No
1496683
Report Number FAA-RD-77-94
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/47000/47900/47927/Eight_helicopters.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository