Are eVTOLs noisy?
Electric aircraft are very quiet, which is good news for those living on busy flight paths who are used to having garden conversations interrupted by passing aircraft. So far, OEM noise claims are impressive. Archer’s 45db at cruise is a little quieter than the hum of a refrigerator and up to 1,000 times quieter than a helicopter1. eVTOLs may be almost unnoticeable during forward flight, but to see the full picture we need to consider take-off and landing, when the aircraft encounters turbulent air in ground effect. A 2023 study in the Journal of Sound and Vibration gives insight.
“Propellers in Ground Effect show a substantial increase in broadband noise levels.”
We’ll see more eVTOL-specific studies in the near future, but there are a number of reasons why noise is unlikely to be a critical issue. First, increased noise levels during take-off and landing may still be much quieter than conventional helicopters. Second, vertiport design decisions can incorporate the latest scientific research to optimise noise dampening. Third, the more uniform acoustic signature of multiple rotors may be inherently less noticeable than the wop-wop of helicopter blades.
From the insurance perspective noise is unlikely to cause great concern, as early eVTOL flights will operate from existing aerodromes rather than in the midst of residential areas, helping showcase quiet flight and reduce the risk of noise-related liability claims.
ATA is a global specialist in insurance for advanced technologies across the aerospace, defence, energy, industrial, transportation, and technology sectors.
Welcome to ATA →
Explore our Insurance Products →
Contact an Underwriter →
