NASA developing tools to reduce AAM noise pollution

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NASA has begun researching and designing tools that manufacturers can use to reduce the noise impacts of AAM operations. 

When the public thinks about the addition of drones, air taxis, or new cargo delivery aircraft, noise is a common concern, said NASA. 

“Will these aircraft buzz over housing areas? Add to noise pollution? NASA is working to help make sure when these innovative new aircraft join the airspace, they are quiet,” said Teresa Whiting, public affairs specialist, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project and Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology project are working together to conduct testing with industry partners. The data NASA collects and analyses from these tests using eVTOLs will ensure that the agency’s aircraft design tools correctly predict noise levels for these vehicle types. 

“With tools that predict noise correctly, manufacturers can design vehicles for quiet operation in urban and rural areas,” added Whiting.

The data will also help define and optimise AAM routes and low-noise flight paths for community needs and assist the FAA in creating policy. Results from the tests will aid the FAA’s ongoing work with operations and airspace integration.

The AAM mission includes multiple projects working on different elements that will help make it a reality. This includes work on automation, noise, vertiport and vehicle design, and airspace design to keep people safe while flying in the skies together. 

“Government agencies, industry, and the public, will need to combine their efforts to build new highways in the sky,” added said.