Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is not only making waves with its innovative ground vehicles but also with its advanced air mobility company, Supernal. While the automotive divisions have been busy with projects like hydrogen cars and modular vans, Supernal has been setting its sights even higher. On the first day of CES 2024, they introduced the S-A2, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This new vehicle is designed to help commuters bypass urban traffic, making short trips of 20 to 40 miles much quicker and more efficient.
The S-A2 combines the smooth in-flight experience of an airplane with the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter. This makes it perfect for densely populated urban areas where space is limited. It’s powered by a battery, offering a travel option that is comfortable, convenient, and environmentally friendly.
Improving upon the SA-1 concept shown at CES 2020, the S-A2 features eight rotors that can move up and down. These rotors allow the craft to take off vertically and then move forward efficiently at cruising speeds. Supernal claims that the S-A2 can fly up to 120 miles per hour and reach altitudes of 1,500 feet.
The aircraft’s design includes a sleek cockpit and body, inspired by a bee’s eyes, to give pilots and passengers a great view of the surroundings. Inside, there’s space for four passengers in seats that can be reconfigured as needed. The team at Supernal went through 100 designs before finalizing the current model, aiming for a balance of safety and efficiency.
One major challenge for creating the S-A2 was managing the high power demands of modern batteries, particularly for an aircraft. Supernal’s Chief Technology Officer, Ben Diachun, explained that the amount of power needed for liftoff is comparable to a car accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in two seconds. However, the S-A2 needs to sustain that power for 30 seconds during liftoff. Despite this high energy usage, Supernal has managed to keep noise levels down to just 65 decibels on takeoff, about as loud as a modern dishwasher. The S-A2’s modular design also means it can be easily upgraded as battery technology advances.
Supernal plans to operate the S-A2 from “vertiports” in densely populated urban areas, meeting the safety standards of commercial aviation. They’re also working with government aviation authorities to develop proper operating procedures.
If everything goes according to plan, we could see the S-A2 flying through city skies by 2028. However, Supernal has yet to announce which markets will see the aircraft first.