Supernal: AAM eVTOL Air Taxi Concept Reveal at CES 2024

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.

... notes from The EDJE

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