Quiet Helicopter

New helicopter rotor blade design by Eurocopter is significantly quieter than conventional blades

Just about every helicopter operator is quite familiar with noise complaints. Whether it be the local news helicopter or even a medical helicopter, many people on the ground don’t like the sound created by rotary-wing aircraft. This week Eurocopter unveiled its most recent effort to reduce helicopter noise with the radical-looking Blue Edge rotor blade.

The new rotor blade and trailing edge flaps are part of what Eurocopter is calling its “Bluecopter” technology. The company says the goal is to create more environmentally friendly helicopters from both a noise and emissions standpoint.

WIRED