NOISE CHARACTERISTICS OF HEIGHT HELICOPTERS

This report describes the noise characteristics of eight Helicopters during level flyovers, simulated approaches, and hover. The data were 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.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • True, H C
  • Rickley, E J
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 167 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic signature; Aircraft noise; Approach; Flight; Ground effect; Ground effect; Helicopters; Measurement; Rotor blades; Rotors
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167013
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-77-94
• Files: NTIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 29 2002 12:00AM