Psychoacoustic considerations for helicopter noise quantification: Metrics, human response and criteria

The purpose of this paper is to examine several aspects of helicopter noise quantification from the standpoint of psychoacoustics. Noise metrics in common use to describe far-field aircraft noise and the noise characteristics which they consider are discussed. Some findings of recent psychoacoustic research related specifically to helicopter noise quantification are presented. Criteria for the accuracy of noise metrics to quantify helicopter noise are discussed. Finally, the prospects for improved metrics and research needed to develop and validate improved metrics or existing metrics are discussed.