Eurocopter is working on quieter, greener helicopters. Testing is underway to develop quieter, more efficient flight patterns and cut fuel consumption. The firm has been active in the area for some time, having developed the Fenestron ducted tail rotor and active noise controls for the main rotors. Eurocopter is now developing a software tool for helicopter environmental noise analysis (Helena) that will be used to predict the noise footprint of any helicopter. The firm is conducting parallel testing using one of its EC135 helicopters. The data will enable crews to operate helicopters in the most energy-efficient way possible, cutting CO_2 and NOx emissions, and reduce noise, especially during takeoff and landing.
展开▼
