Validated Design and Analysis Tool for Small Vertical-Lift Unmanned Air Vehicle Noise Prediction

The development of a validated external noise prediction code for small vertical lift UAVs will have a large impact on the potential commercial uses of these vehicles. Vehicles that are noisy are likely to have restricted operations because of their acoustic intrusiveness. Designing and operating small vertical lift UAVs so they operate quietly will help facilitate their application potential. When fully developed, the acoustic prediction tool can be used to help determine the best vehicle performance design within acoustic constraints and/or the quietest design within performance constraints. The prediction tool can also assess quiet methods of flying the small vertical lift UAV to minimize annoyance to surrounding communities. The tool will also be useful to the government in assessing how small UAV aircraft can quietly operate within the United States air transportation system.

The development of a validated external noise prediction code for small vertical lift UAVs will have a large impact on the potential military uses of these vehicles. Excessive and distinct small UAV noise radiation reduces the mission effectiveness by alerting the enemy that a UAV is in the area. In addition,the UAV's distinct acoustic signature presents the enemy with targeting opportunities – thus reducing the survival rate on each mission. When fully developed, the acoustic prediction tool can be used to help determine the best vehicle performance design within detection acoustic constraints and/or the quietest detection design within the performance constraints of the vehicle. The prediction tool can also assess quiet methods of flying the small vertical lift UAV to minimize the likelihood of acoustic detection. The tool will also be useful to the military in planning non-detectable UAV missions. More »