Researchers from Cranfield University are conducting measurement trials with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) to provide a better understanding of the noise impact of drones.
UAV noise is a concern often raised for flights over urban areas, encompassing not only noise volume but also frequency of sound from flights, the team explained. A recent report by the UK Regulatory Horizons Council acknowledged that drones may be unpopular in residential settings due to the noise and this might be a growing issue as the use of drones for inspections and deliveries increases.
The Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are constantly reviewing drone noise, but there is a lack of high-quality data to guide future regulation. Currently there is no noise standard for UAVs within the UK. The learning from these trials aims to inform the methods required to meaningfully measure and understand UAV noise.
A research event hosted at Cranfield Airport – in partnership with noise monitoring software firm Envirosuite and drone industry group ARPAS-UK, and observed by the CAA and Cranfield environmental noise experts – confirmed that microphones can effectively capture UAV noise levels at different altitudes and that noise spectra can be used to identify types of UAV.
The measurement trials involved commercially-available small to medium size multi-rotor UAVs flying a variety of defined and representative flight paths at Cranfield’s global research airport. Ground measurements were made using Envirosuite’s bespoke noise measurement equipment.
Maximum noise levels recorded from different UAVs flying at altitudes of 100 feet and above were typically in the range 50 to 60 decibels, similar to the sound levels that would normally be heard in an office or restaurant.
Iain Gray, director of aerospace at Cranfield University and chair of the drone industry action group, said: “This preliminary work is important in starting to inform our understanding of the impact of drone noise levels. What’s key now is that further detailed work takes place, building a more complete picture to inform future operational practices for the industry.”
Along with absolute noise levels, the type of noises generated by drones is also a subject for research. Certain noises – such as the ‘buzzing’ sound of some drones – may be considered more annoying or disturbing than others. As drones land or take off their noise levels may also change, and this may have an impact on those living in the immediate area.
Simon Jude, senior lecturer in environmental decision making in the Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Informatics, added: “This research highlights the urgent need for further work to investigate public understanding, perceptions and acceptability of UAV noise. Knowledge and attitudes towards drones vary across society and public concerns and perceptions could be a barrier to adoption if not addressed.”
Further trials are now planned to gather more data so that a comprehensive analysis can be undertaken by Cranfield’s teams and the potential societal impact of such noise better understood.
