This paper presents a model-based sound synthesis approach for interior helicopter noise. The research is carried out in the frame of the EC-FP6 project "FRIENDCOPTER", which aims at developing innovative technologies and tools to support the vibro-acoustic design of modern helicopters. The synthesis of interior helicopter noise is based on a compact Sound Quality Equivalent (SQE) model, consisting of a superposition of order components and background noise third octave bands. These model components can be automatically extracted from interior sound recordings.
A thorough sound quality analysis in a real-time Virtual Helicopter Sound (VHS) synthesis environment allows identifying the annoying noise components and designing target sounds. The sound decomposition and synthesis approach are first described and illustrated for a typical helicopter sound. The potential for using this technology for sound quality analysis and target sound design is then briefly discussed.
