PREVIEW

Supernal LLC, Hyundai’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) has revealed its latest electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle concept, S-A2, at CES 2024.
The pilot-plus-four-passenger vehicle can travel at up to 120mph - but is also incredibly quiet, only emitting 65dB on take-off and 45 while cruising.
The new prototype is a significant step in Supernal's mission to introduce safe, efficient, and affordable everyday air travel for urban commuters. Building on its previous concept, S-A1, introduced at CES 2020, S-A2 combines innovative aerospace engineering with Hyundai Motor Group's automotive design to create a new mode of urban transportation.
Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, said: “From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the right product and the right market at the right time. 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.”
The company plans to achieve commercial aviation safety standards and aims to enter the market in 2028.
S-A2, a V-tail aircraft, is designed for city operations, cruising at 120 miles per hour at a 1,500-foot altitude for trips ranging from 25 to 40 miles. It features a distributed electric propulsion architecture with eight all-tilting rotors, ensuring the quiet operation of 65 dB during takeoff and landing and 45 dB while cruising. Safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort are prioritised in the design, with a robust airframe structure and redundant components in critical systems.
The vehicle will be manufactured with Hyundai's mass production capability, maintaining superior quality while being cost-effective.
Ben Diachun, Chief Technology Officer at Supernal, added: “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.From here, we will develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.”
In collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group's automotive designers, Supernal's engineering teams focused on S-A2's aesthetics, creating a human-centric design that enhances the AAM passenger experience. Different colour palettes and materials distinguish the pilot and passenger sections, while aviation-grade, energy-absorbing components contribute to the minimalist design.
S-A2 is showcased at CES 2024 in the Supernal Vertiport exhibition, located in the Diamond parking lot near the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The exhibition presents Supernal's comprehensive vision for AAM, allowing attendees to explore the vehicle, experience a simulated flight above Los Angeles, and learn about potential flight networks and supporting technologies