Design In The AAM Sphere: Senior Designer At Frank Stephenson Design, Euan
McPherson Discusses Developments At AutoFlight
In Episode 178, host Jason Pritchard sits down with Euan McPherson,
Senior Designer – Frank Stephenson Design (FSD), for a captivating discussion on
the latest innovations in eVTOL design and FSD’s work with Chinese eVTOL OEM
AutoFlight.
Euan shares his expertise on crafting cutting-edge
electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the challenges of balancing
aesthetics with functionality, and the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
Please
tune in to this Spotify hosted eVTOL Insights Podcast for an insightful look at
the design process behind next-generation air mobility solutions.
Follow along with the Ai generated Transcript provided by Spotify while
listening to this shared exchange on how emotion might play a role in the design
of AAM aircraft and what the biggest Human factor challenges might be when
designing interiors and cabins, including how FSD envisions accessibility and
inclusivity.
These efforts, while new, has design function to normalize and
build overall trust in these leading edge concept aircraft for personal and
commercial uses.
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.
