Sound perception study of an eVTOL vehicle

The need for sustainable and quiet air transport, combined with advances in electric and battery technology, makes the novel Urban Air Mobility (UAM) concept a reality. The development of Eve Air Mobility's Electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle enables quick passenger transport in overcrowded or congested areas. Public acceptability and experience are essential for the successful introduction of these new modes of transport. Therefore, a perception study was conducted in three USA cities to measure people's responses and compare visual and sound events with other modes of air transport such as helicopters and turboprop aircraft. Early design parameters of the eVTOL were used to auralize the sound of Eve's aircraft during take-off and flyover operations. eVTOL sounds and recordings from other vehicles were mixed with real environment sound and visual recordings into a Virtual Reality-based simulator. Subsequently, over 110 people in three cities participated in a jury study. The results showed that simulated eVTOL flyovers are perceived as quieter and less annoying than similar helicopter operations. This study will help inform communities on how to best benefit from UAM while minimizing any negative effects.