Sora Aviation, the UK-based developer of the 30-seat S-1 eVTOL aircraft, has been awarded UK Government funding for two cutting-edge research projects totalling £2.1M through the ATI Programme.

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The first project, BatWing, is a collaboration with the University of Bath, focusing on lightweight aerospace battery pack technology development and the integration of battery packs onto aircraft wings. This approach enhances aircraft safety by isolating battery packs from the cabin whilst also reducing structural mass through bending relief at the wing root. The project will deliver a battery-wing section demonstrator incorporating lightweight and fireproof composite enclosures, wing-integrated thermal management systems and modular mechanical installation methods designed to simplify maintenance and improve operational efficiency.

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The second project, SoraAero, partners Sora Aviation with the Universities of Bristol and Manchester as well as Sophrodyne Aerospace to push the boundaries of aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and aeroelastics simulation for eVTOL aircraft and understand complex interactional effects unique to these aircraft configurations. By leveraging physics-constrained artificial intelligence models and advanced computational methods validated by experimental data, the project will enable Sora to optimise the S-1’s design to minimise noise, improve aerodynamic efficiency, and enhance structural performance.

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“These ATI-funded projects are a massive vote of confidence in the work we’re doing at Sora,” said Furqan, CEO of Sora Aviation. “The S-1 is a unique aircraft tailored for affordable and accessible air mobility, and with the expertise of our university partners backed by funding from the UK government, we are ensuring it meets the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability”.

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The funding from the ATI Programme, provided as part of the dedicated SME Programme, underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technologies and positioning the nation as a leader in electric flight.

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“The two projects from Sora Aviation showed innovation, close collaboration with academia and SME partners, and a good insight into the challenges that the new technology will address,” said Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer at the Aerospace Technology Institute. “The development of battery packing and enclosures in the BatWing project targets substantial weight savings and offers the UK an opportunity to be a first mover in this space; while the ambitious SoraAero project will apply innovative use of a novel AI system to substantially improve the aircraft design process”.

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The ATI Programme is delivered through a partnership of the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business & Trade and Innovate UK.

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About Sora Aviation

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Sora Aviation is developing the S-1: a 30-seat eVTOL aircraft designed for affordable, accessible and sustainable air mobility.

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For media inquiries, please contact: hello@soraaviation.com  ​​