The sensitivity of noise in the community to changes in aircraft design parameters and operating practices

Environmental factors, such as noise and emissions have begun to play a significant role in the design of new aircraft. Although advances in propulsion technology have reduced source noise levels significantly over the past few decades, it is becoming increasingly difficult to project similar advances for the next few decades. It is likely however that some noise benefits may come from improvements in aircraft performance and from changes in operational procedures. In order for such developments to be analysed at the conceptual design stage, an integrated conceptual aircraft design and aircraft noise model is required that enables the designer to rapidly assess the effect of key design parameters on reference noise levels and noise contour area. [Continues.]