Supernal vertiport pavilion at CES 2024, located in the Diamond
parking lot next to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention
Center, where the Hyundai S-A2 concept was on display. Image Credit:
Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)
Supernal: AAM eVTOL Air Taxi Concept Reveal at CES 2024
At CES 2024, Supernal showcased its ambitious efforts in human passenger air
transportation. The standalone pavilion highlighted the company's substantial
financial backing and its goal of revolutionizing short-hop air travel within
metropolitan areas. Plans were in motion to replicate the display at the
Hyundai Motor Group campus in Southern California to attract additional
partnerships and promotional support.
The direction of this venture became clearer amid escalating investments in
the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. Forecasts suggested that by 2030,
urban air transport could rival the largest airlines in some aspects. Flights
would be notably shorter, averaging just 18 minutes, and accommodate fewer
passengers—typically one to six individuals alongside a pilot. AAM operations
could potentially dwarf conventional airlines, with projections indicating
around 20,000 flights per day for AAM operators compared to 2,200 for the
largest airlines.
Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's AAM company, has unveiled S-A2, its
eVTOL vehicle product concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
2024, taking place in Las Vegas, 9-12 January, 2024. Image Credit:
Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)
Supernal's latest innovation, the S-A2, marked a significant milestone in its
journey towards commercializing safe, efficient, and affordable everyday
passenger air travel. Building upon the S-A1 concept introduced at CES 2020,
the S-A2 seamlessly merged cutting-edge aerospace engineering with Hyundai
Motor Group's automotive design ethos. The aim was to redefine urban
transportation, promising swift and seamless journeys from point A to point B.
With plans to enter the market by 2028, Supernal was diligently working
towards achieving commercial aviation safety standards while also streamlining
the manufacturing process to ensure affordability and scalability of its
vehicles. This concerted effort underscored the company's commitment to
reshaping the future of urban mobility through innovative aerial solutions.
“Supernal’s product concept vehicle is the result of the creativity
and hard work of our world-class team. S-A2 is designed to take full
advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements that will
define the next generation of aviation,” commented Ben Diachun,
Chief Technology Officer, Supernal (pictured). “From here, we will
develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.” Image
Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)
S-A2, the V-tail aircraft, is meticulously engineered with a distributed
electric propulsion system, boasting eight all-tilting rotors to ensure
efficient flight. It's tailored for urban operations, cruising at 120
miles-per-hour at a 1,500-foot altitude, catering to trips ranging from 25
to 40 miles. With noise levels comparable to a dishwasher during take-off
and landing (65 dB) and even quieter during horizontal cruising (45 dB), it
prioritizes passenger comfort and environmental impact.
Safety is paramount in its design, adhering to global aviation standards
with redundant components in critical systems like powertrain, flight
controls, and avionics. Hyundai's mass production expertise ensures quality
and cost-effectiveness without compromising safety. Additionally, the
vehicle is designed for modularity and upgradability, particularly
concerning battery technology, to stay aligned with evolving advancements.
“From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the
right product and the right market at the right time,” said Jaiwon
Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “The
unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to
deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that
provides a clear path to market entry. By leveraging our talented
600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of
Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the
world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.” Image
Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)
In terms of aesthetics, Supernal collaborated with Hyundai's automotive
designers to merge functionality with captivating design. The cabin features
distinct sections for pilots and passengers, delineated by color palettes
and materials. Aviation-grade, energy-absorbing components integrated into
the seat frames enhance both safety and design. Dynamic lighting enhances
the spatial perception of the cabin and provides essential visual cues
throughout the flight phases.
Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative
Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, describes S-A2 as the epitome of blending
automotive and aerospace expertise to create a human-centric design
prioritizing passenger experience and safety. Leveraging Hyundai's
experience in designing efficient vehicles and award-winning electric cars,
the S-A2 integrates cutting-edge passenger experience and automotive design
principles.
Yamaha unveils the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats in collaboration with Regulator Marine and Roush at the Miami International Boat Show. Image Credit: Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (2024)
Yamaha, Regulator Marine, and Roush: Miami International Boat Show Host's First Unveiling Of Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Engine
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. on February 14, 2024, at the Miami International Boat Show, unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats along with a prototype fuel system integrated into a vessel that the company plans to further refine for testing later this year. The effort is part of Yamaha’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality: deploying multiple technology solutions.
Yamaha joined forces with Roush to develop the fuel system to power the new outboard and collaborated with long-time boat builder partner Regulator Marine to build a boat suitable for testing the prototype outboard. Together, the companies plan to begin testing the protype for viability on the water in the summer of 2024.
“Yamaha is exploring all possibilities to achieve carbon neutrality, and we’ve made commitments for our operations to be carbon neutral by 2035 and our products to become carbon neutral by 2050. That goal within the marine market can only be reached through an approach that leverages multiple solutions. We believe hydrogen is a viable method of achieving these goals,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Yamaha wants to be a leader in this space, and we encourage others in the marine industry to become involved as we look for ways to build infrastructure and new policy around innovations.”
The information in the above plates is based on currently available data and may not be entirely accurate. Specific details might change as the engine development progresses. Images: My Electric Sparks (2024)
By working with Roush on the fuel system engineering, Yamaha gains the benefit of more than two decades of hydrogen systems integration and research.
“When you look at Roush’s history with hydrogen, it ranges from land speed record vehicles to spacecraft. A lot of that knowledge we’ve acquired over the years we are now applying directly to this Yamaha project,” said Matt Van Benschoten, Vice President, Advance Engineering, Roush. “We are the fuel systems integrator, responsible for fuel systems designs, all of the specifications development, physical integration, safety system analysis as well as testing and development. Yamaha is trying to determine if hydrogen can successfully be used in this market, and I think we will find out the answer is ‘yes.’”
Regulator Marine built a hull based on the 26XO and modified it to accommodate the hydrogen tanks necessary to power the new outboard. Together, Yamaha, Regulator and Roush displayed the boat hull, fuel system and outboard to demonstrate how hydrogen could work as a possible fuel source in a marine environment. Also, the effort allows engineers to begin the process of determining marine standards for the use of hydrogen in vessels.
“If we don’t look for a new source, we won’t find a new source. Innovation starts by asking questions. It creates a little angst, but at the end of the day good stuff comes out of innovation,” said Joan Maxwell, President, Regulator Marine. “In the future, as we design boats, if this proves what we think it will, it could be very possible that we are designing hulls around these hydrogen fuel tanks.”
“Through our relationship with Regulator Marine, we have the ability to test our prototype in a premium boating environment that reflects Yamaha’s brand position, and we have the ability to lead the way in the development of hydrogen as a fuel source in marine environments,” continued Speciale. “We’re excited to watch this project develop and look forward to taking the next steps.”
Yamaha announced the hydrogen outboard project last December. Further demonstrating the company’s commitment to a multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality, Yamaha recently announced plans to acquire all shares of electric outboard company Torqeedo.® In addition, Yamaha continues to promote the use of sustainable fuels within internal combustion outboard engines as another alternative.
Please visit yamahamarinemedia.com for images and more information about the new hydrogen-powered outboard and fuel system.
Cityscape of the Gulf bordering city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Image
Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)
Long Time Coming Pays Dividends To UIM E1 World Championship's Team Brady
In Inaugural E1 Race Round
All racing competition series begin with an idea, a form of a racing template
or platform, and eventually place their calculations on the field of play and
have at it. The E1 Electric Boat Racing League is no different.
After over two years (Racebird displayed at CES 2022) of development, concept evolution, formation of both the nature of the
competition and the the team structure/formation, and setting of a schedule
(that had delays) that includes seven event weekends throughout 2024.
Event weekend one - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - happened this last February 2-3,
2024 with qualifications on Friday February 2nd, and the race on Saturday
February 3rd. An announcement was issued that the event was to be televised by
both CBS Sports (North America) and ITV (UK/EU) as its latest television
partners for this inaugural season. Sadly, after a quick search, no proof
exists that LIVE or delayed broadcasts were made available. Any video that was
posted in articles originating in Europe and the Middle East, at the time of
this article development, was blocked from being shown in North America.
First, and only, time winners of the new E1 Series Racebird series.
Image Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)
Inaugural race report - 3rd - 4th - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Tom Brady’s
Racebird powerboat team claim inaugural UIM E1 World Championship race in
Jeddah - Emma Kimilainen of Finland and Sam Coleman of Britain, pilots of the
Team Brady entrant, on Saturday clinched the first round of the UIM E1 World
Championship with a convincing victory in Jeddah in front of thousands of fans
on the Red Sea.
Graphic of race central yacht harbor for the Racebird pits and
support happens. Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)
Race circuit as laid out in the Red Sea at Jeddah coastline. Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)
On the final day of racing, the team owned by American Football legend Tom
Brady staged an impressive comeback to beat day-one leaders Team Miami, owned
by singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.
After the first Super Final race, Team Rafa had the lead, followed by Team Miami and Team Brady. The second Super Final race saw a lot more back and forth, as some spray blocked Team Rafa pilot Cris Lazarraga’s view, causing her to cut a corner, which resulted in a penalty in which the team had to choose between a 30-second penalty, or an additional “long lap,” (usually only one per race required).
With the top team penalized, Team Brady took the lead and didn’t let it go in race two. Combined with pilot Emma Kimilainen’s third place in race one, Sam Coleman led Tom Brady’s team to first place in the first E1 GP.
The winning margin was almost 20 seconds with Team Brady clocking in a time of
6.58.51.
Team Miami finished in second, while Kohli’s Blue Rising took third place.
Kimilainen and Coleman revealed their delight at the victory in the first
round and looked forward to continuing their winning spirit in the upcoming
round.
Asked by Arab News how Tom Brady reacted to their victory, Kimilainen said:
“We’ve already had a message through from Tom and he’s super happy with the
win. Both Sam and I are so incredibly proud to represent Tom and we’re pleased
we were able to make history at E1’s inaugural race.”
Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Water Sports
and Diving Federation, said at the end of the race: “We are very happy to host
the first round of the E1 series, and believe me it is a success.”
Meanwhile, Saudi rally driver Masahel Al-Obaidan, the lead pilot of Aoki
Racing — which came in at seventh place — was happy to get her first
experience of racing on water under her belt.
“It is been a great experience and I am so glad to represent my country,” she
said.
Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of E1, said: “It is been a fantastic two days
here in Jeddah and has surpassed our expectations.”
Meanwhile, Alejandro Agag, co-founder and chair of E1 said: “We have had an
incredible weekend here on the Red Sea. It was a great race and hope the
thousands who attended the race enjoyed the powerboat race.”
The UIM E1 World Championship will take place this May in Venice.
Image Credit: CBS Sports Network via electrek (2024)
Championship standings following the Round 1 Jeddah GP results:
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