Flight Procedural Noise Assessment of Blended-Wing–Body Aircraft with Variable Thrust

Today’s commercial aviation industry centers on the tube-and-wing aircraft configuration with underwing-mounted engines, possibly nearing convergence on optimal performance capabilities with acceptable community noise. A potentially feasible breakthrough for obtaining lower noise levels for commercial aviation is the blended-wing–body (BWB), which presents unique noise-reducing characteristics such as engine shielding and simplified high-lift devices. The significance of characteristics unique to BWBs on overall aircraft noise is assessed through a study of a BWB aircraft design representative of the JetZero vehicle. This paper presents a methodology capable of modeling the aircraft’s propulsion system and corresponding performance capabilities necessary to assess the vehicle noise sources and overall community noise impact. Analysis of Part 36 certification noise levels indicates that the vehicle’s margin to Stage 5 standards is 35.8 effective perceived noise level (in EPNdB), and an additional 2.0 EPNdB is achievable with a decreased maximum takeoff thrust engine variant. Community noise impacts of departure and arrival procedures are studied through comparison of single-event noise contours. Significant contour area reductions were observed when compared to conventional tube-and-wing aircraft of similar weight and range class. Further departure and approach noise reductions were modeled through additional full-flight procedure variations.