WSMR RANGE-WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

1993b). In addition to spherical spreading, the atmosphere also attenuates sound. The
atmosphere attenuation is linear with distance and hence is very important at long distances.

A sound attenuation decrease of 6 dB for each doubling of distance applied to an F-16, it

results in the following Lmax dBAs versus feet: 92.4 dBA at 15244 m (5,000 ft), 82.5 dBA at
3048 m (10,000 ft), and 70.9 dBA at 6096 m (20,000 ft). (Aerospace Medical Research
Laboratory 1978.)

Red Rio Range (600 training ights per year) averages an Ldnmr of 80 dBA and Oscura
Range (200 training ights per year) averages an Ldnm, of 76 dBA. Attenuated, both ranges
would produce Ldnm, values less than 70 dBA at 2 km (1.2 mi) and less than 65 dBA at 4 km
(2.5 mi) (U.S. Air Force 1993b).

The F-l6 73dBA Lmxat 4 km (2.5 mi) and the Red Rio/Oscura ranges less than 65 dBA
Ldmm at 4 km (2.5 mi) fall below 85 dB, the noise level below which the likelihood of
observable effects is considered minimal.

3.12.1.4 Helicopters. Military helicopters produce a regular source of noise throughout the
range airspace. Flights are generally conducted at 152 m (500 ft) AGL for helicopters
transiting all range areas. Helicopters will operate at lower altitudes when conducting low
level yovers and turns (for approaches), ascents, and descents for landings. Helicopter
landings of opportunity occur throughout the range in support of drone and test debris
recovery, and search and rescue missions. Helicopters routinely operate from established
airelds (Condron AAF, Stallion AAF, and WSSH), and mission support helipads (JFK,
Medical, and TRASANA). Helicopter SEL should be essentially the same whether the
operation is on a natural ground surface or a prepared (concrete or asphalt) surface.

Typical military helicopter SEL dBA values for
(landing) are listed in Tables 3-52, 3-53, and 3-54.
by military helicopters in range level yovers at
SELs are reduced (attenuated) to the mid-70dBA
away, either directly overhead or at a slant.
ascent (takeoff), over ight, and descent
An average SEL of 92.1 dBA is generated
152 m (500 ft) AGL. Military helicopter
ranges at distances of 1,524 m (5,000 ft)

3.12.1.5 Drones. Military drones used at WSMR fall into two basic categories, full scale and
subscale. Both are used primarily as targets for air- and ground-launched missiles and
rockets. All WSMR drones are either destroyed in the airspace over the range by a direct
weapon intercept or are ground recovered when used as a no warhead or tracking target. The
full-scale aircraft drones that are used on WSMR for testing support operate from Holloman
AFB, New Mexico. WSMR subscale aircraft drones primarily operate from the range
permanent (hardened) launch complex sites.

The QF-100 and QF-4 full-scale target aircraft drones are representative of the various full
scale drones that are used during testing program tracking or weapon intercept missions.
Typically, a full-scale target aircraft drone will y its tracking mission ight prole at 305 m
(1,000 ft) AGL or higher. A QF-100 at 305 m (1,000 ft) AGL overhead generates an SEL of
95.7 dBA (U.S. Army 1992d). When in manned ight, full-scale target aircraft drones
perform identically to other aircraft operating on WSMR.

The primary subscale target aircraft drones used on WSMR are the high-altitude AQM-37C,
the BQM-34, and the MQM-107 series. The SELs produced by these drones are anticipated
to be similar to other current and future subscale drones. The BQM-34 and MOM-107 drones
produce a several-second launch pad SEL of 127 dBA during their jet-assisted takeoff

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