Eve Air Mobility, in partnership with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), conducted a study to evaluate the visual and sound perception of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in urban and suburban environments. This research is essential as urban air mobility (UAM) services expand, particularly in major cities such as New York, Orlando, and San Francisco. The study aims to understand the potential for annoyance from the sounds and visual presence of eVTOLs during different phases of flight, including takeoff, landing, and cruising.

As eVTOLs are expected to operate close to urban communities, the technology promises to significantly impact local environments. Unlike conventional aircraft, eVTOLs are designed to be quieter, but their sound profile changes based on flight phases. For example, during vertical takeoff and landing, rotors provide vertical lift, while a propeller at the back takes over in the cruise phase. The study investigated how these different sound characteristics might affect community acceptance, focusing on the intensity of annoyance caused by eVTOL sounds in various contexts.

The study used virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate realistic environments and auralization techniques to replicate the soundscapes of eVTOLs, helicopters, and turboprops. Auralization is a process where sound data generated from numerical simulations is converted into audible sounds, providing an accurate representation of how these aircraft would sound in specific locations. By layering these sounds over ambient city noises, the study simulated real-world scenarios where participants could evaluate their reactions to various aircraft in different urban and suburban settings.

The research sought to determine how the visual presence of eVTOLs, in addition to their acoustic footprint, influenced perceptions of annoyance. Participants were shown a variety of visuals, including eVTOLs, helicopters, and other aircraft types, and were asked to rate their level of discomfort or irritation based on the sound and visual experiences. The study also aimed to understand if the annoyance levels varied across different regions and environmental settings, accounting for the natural soundscape of each city or suburban area.

The results of this study are vital for cities and fleet operators planning to launch UAM services. Understanding residents’ perceptions of noise and visuals from eVTOLs will help ensure that urban air mobility operations are socially accepted. Proactive community engagement, informed by these insights, can help mitigate concerns related to noise pollution, visual disturbances, and the overall integration of eVTOLs into existing transportation systems. By identifying thresholds for annoyance, cities can design more effective strategies for integrating eVTOLs into their airspace and urban environments while maintaining a positive relationship with residents.

Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of consulting communities before launching large-scale UAM services. By considering residents’ concerns early in the process, fleet operators and local authorities can improve public perception and avoid conflicts later on. The findings suggest that noise sensitivity varies depending on local factors, including urban density and existing environmental sounds, and that addressing these factors will be key to the successful adoption of eVTOL technology in cities.

Eve Air Mobility’s study provides valuable insights into the social acceptance of eVTOL aircraft. It highlights the need for comprehensive community consultation when planning UAM operations and offers actionable data for fleet operators, urban planners, and policymakers. As urban air mobility continues to evolve, understanding and addressing public perceptions of eVTOL aircraft will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in urban spaces.

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