• Swindon & Wiltshire Innovation
• Thursday February 13 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Flying taxi innovator teams up with US firm to deliver 30-seat electric aircraft

A Bristol-based firm developing a 30-seat electric ‘flying taxi’ has teamed up with a US firm to further its ambitions.

Sora Aviation, which is based at UWE’s Future Space in Filton, has partnered with New Jersey’s Continuum Dynamics Inc to advance flight dynamics modelling, aeromechanics analysis, and proprotor development for the aircraft.

CDI is a leader in rotorcraft aerodynamics and high-fidelity simulation with decades of expertise supporting major aerospace programs.

As part of the collaboration, CDI is developing high fidelity flight dynamics models to refine the transition performance, proprotor efficiency and controllability in failure scenarios of Sora Aviation’s S-1, which can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, and is powered by an electric battery.

These insights will directly inform the aircraft’s control system development and overall safety strategy, ensuring a robust design from the outset.

Sora Aviation CEO Furqan – said: “CDI’s deep expertise in tilt-rotor dynamics ensures the S-1 is designed for real-world operational challenges, from smooth transition phases to safely handling rare but critical failure cases.”

Glen Whitehouse, CEO of CDI, added: “We’re excited to support Sora Aviation in developing the S-1. Our knowledge of rotorcraft aeromechanics will help optimise the S-1’s performance and safety as Sora advances in the development of this unique aircraft.”

The collaboration is supported by Innovate UK and UK government funding, strengthening the UK’s position at the forefront of sustainable aviation technologies.

By leveraging cutting-edge US and UK expertise, the partnership accelerates the development of safe, efficient, and scalable advanced air mobility globally.

Tara Gillam, regional manager of Innovate UK Business Growth in the South West, said: “Supporting pioneering companies like Sora Aviation is key to positioning the UK as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility.

“The S-1 represents a major step forward in sustainable aviation and we’re excited to see how this collaboration with CDI accelerates its development.”

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