Commercial Applications of Quiet Aircraft Technology

Recent experimental developments in military programs in aircraft quieting are reviewed in this paper, with suggestions on acoustic technology applications appropriate to general aviation. Comments are offered on the possible impact of developing noise abatement concerns, requirements, and legislation on general aviation. Potentially productive design tradeoff studies necessary to ensure minimum cost and an acceptable level of performance in the field of commercial light aircraft design are suggested. Reduction in the external acoustic noise signature of light piston-engine aircraft may logically be sought in the area of propulsion system design.