Las Vegas, January 9, 2024 – In a groundbreaking event at CES 2024, Supernal LLC, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group specializing in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), revealed its latest achievement, the S-A2. This electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, designed for a pilot and four passengers, represents a significant step forward in the company’s journey towards transforming everyday air travel.
The S-A2 is an evolution of Supernal’s initial vision, the S-A1, presented at CES 2020. This innovative vehicle melds cutting-edge aerospace technology with the refined automotive design characteristic of Hyundai Motor Group, promising a revolutionary transport solution for urban environments.
Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, emphasized the company’s commitment to introducing a safe, efficient, and market-ready eVTOL vehicle. “Our talented team, combined with Hyundai Motor Group’s vast resources and a network of trusted aviation suppliers globally, positions Supernal at the forefront of ushering in a new era of flight,” Shin stated.
Technical Innovations
The S-A2 is a V-tail aircraft designed to cruise at 120 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet, ideal for city commutes ranging from 25 to 40 miles. It features a distributed electric propulsion system and eight all-tilting rotors, ensuring a quiet operation comparable to a dishwasher in both takeoff and cruising phases.
Safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort are at the core of the S-A2’s design. The vehicle adheres to global commercial aviation safety standards and includes redundant systems for powertrain, flight controls, and avionics. The all-tilting rotor configuration offers unique efficiency in both vertical-lift and horizontal-cruise flight phases.
Ben Diachun, Supernal’s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the vehicle’s cutting-edge design. “S-A2 embodies the latest in electric powertrain advancements, marking a significant leap in aviation technology,” said Diachun.
Design Aesthetics
In collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group’s automotive designers, Supernal has crafted an eVTOL vehicle that seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. The interior design features distinct sections for pilots and passengers, with aviation-grade components and minimalist design elements contributing to an enhanced passenger experience.
Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, described the S-A2 as a fusion of automotive and aerospace design, prioritizing human-centric design for safety and passenger comfort.
Supernal at CES 2024
At CES 2024, Supernal also showcased its Vertiport concept, a future transportation hub demonstrating the company’s holistic vision for AAM. Visitors experienced a simulated flight over Los Angeles, learned about potential flight networks, and explored the integration of vertiports with existing transportation modes.
Vertiports are integral to the commercialization of AAM, acting as points for eVTOL operations and linking with current transit options. This, combined with advancements in air traffic control and micro-weather forecasting, positions the S-A2 and vertiports as pivotal elements in redefining urban mobility.
With its innovative S-A2 eVTOL vehicle and comprehensive approach to AAM infrastructure, Supernal is poised to lead the transformation of urban transportation in the coming years.
