Technia has developed a digital simulation solution for the British startup Sora Aviation. Sora Aviation is developing an electric aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities (eVTOL), intended for passenger transport in urban environments. The aircraft, named the S-1, is designed to carry 30 passengers with zero carbon emissions and minimal noise.
One of the project’s biggest technical challenges was designing the proprotor hub, the component that connects the rotor blades to the aircraft body. This part needs to be lightweight, reliable, and capable of withstanding the forces generated during both vertical takeoff and horizontal flight. To tackle this, Technia created a simulation process based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This allowed for testing various hub designs under realistic conditions. Airflow simulation data was combined with 3D models built in CATIA, making it possible to analyze the performance of different design options. The 3DEXPERIENCE system also automatically updated the simulations when design changes were made, saving time and reducing the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the platform enabled easier and more secure collaboration between internal teams and external experts.
In summary, the digital simulation solution developed by Technia has contributed to a faster, more efficient, and safer way to optimize the proprotor hub design. It has also supported Sora’s ambition to create a quiet, clean, and scalable eVTOL aircraft, an important step toward sustainable air travel in the cities of the future.