Sora Aviation completes successful first phase of proprotor testing at the University of Southampton

21 October 2024 – Bristol, UK – Sora Aviation, a Bristol, UK based eVTOL start-up developing the S-1, a 30-passenger eVTOL ‘bus’, has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards democratizing air mobility.

The company has successfully completed the first phase of aerodynamic and aeroacoustic testing for its low noise proprotors at the University of Southampton's ISVR anechoic chambers , one of the largest acoustics facilities in the UK

This series of tests marks a crucial step in refining the design of Sora’s S-1 eVTOL. Sora tested a range of proprotor configurations, including different tip geometries and operational parameters, to optimize aeroacoustic performance and aerodynamic efficiency. This testing is crucial to ensuring that the Sora S-1 delivers a quieter and more efficient flight experience, making it ideal for urban environments.

“We’re thrilled with the progress from this phase of testing, particularly in terms of noise reduction,” says Furqan, Sora Aviation's CEO. "Minimizing noise pollution is essential for the success of urban air mobility, these results put us closer to achieving a quiet and sustainable aircraft. The collaboration with the University of Southampton has been invaluable, and we’re excited to continue refining the S-1’s design."

“The University of Southampton’s Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) has been widely recognized as a global centre of excellence in acoustics and vibrations since 1963. We are proud to collaborate with Sora Aviation , sharing a common vision to develop quieter and more sustainable aircraft in support of global sustainability goals” says Dr. Chaitanya Paruchuri , Head of Acoustics Group at the University of Southampton. As Sora Aviation continues its development, further testing will follow, keeping the company on track for the S-1’s entry into service in 2031 and paving the way for the future of affordable air mobility.

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