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Towards a silent aircraft

Part of: Sustainable Aerospace

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

A.P. Dowling  and
T. Hynes
A.P. Dowling
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
T. Hynes
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Abstract

We set a target for a ‘Silent’ aircraft to be imperceptible outside the airfield perimeter in an urban environment, and then address conceptual designs to meet this requirement. Avoiding some traditional aircraft noise sources requires a radical rethink about the configuration. An all-lifting design has many benefits, enabling a closer integration of airframe and engine than the traditional ‘tube and wing’. Low-noise design includes taking advantage of shielding of engine noise by the airframe; low-noise engines with large, low speed jets; an order of magnitude increase in absorption by liners; and operations for low-noise informing the design. Progress to date on the Silent Aircraft Initiative is presented, along with some conceptual aircraft and engine designs. The further work needed to develop these into viable future aircraft is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1110 , August 2006 , pp. 487 - 494
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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