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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 6)
The Demonstration of Design and Flight Operation Methods for Reduced Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft Noise Impact challenge was created to overcome the growth in community helicopter noise complaints, NASA will combine improved flight operations, a high-fidelity rotor/vehicle design approach, and human factors research to provide a 50% reduction in the Sound Exposure Level (SEL) footprint area for commercial VTOL vehicles in common use. This goal is targeted at vehicles that are nominally from 4-20 passengers or 2400 to 24,000 pounds gross weight, but the methods may be applicable to other vehicle sizes.
Increases likelihood of community acceptance and fewer noise complaints for VTOL vehicles, and therefore the likelihood of reduced restrictions placed on rotorcarft operations. Enables new design and flight operation methods that will significantly reduce the community impacts of noise while simultaneously maintaining or improving high aerodynamic performance.
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