Supernal Unveils S-A2: A Revolutionary eVTOL Concept at CES 2024

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, Supernal, the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company of Hyundai Motor Group, introduced its latest electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle concept - the S-A2. This pilot-plus-four-passenger vehicle represents a significant leap forward in the pursuit of safe, efficient, and affordable urban air travel.

The S-A2 builds upon the foundation laid by Supernal's vision concept, the S-A1, which was unveiled at CES 2020. With a scheduled market entry in 2028, the S-A2 marks a crucial milestone as Supernal strives to bring its innovative air mobility solutions to the masses.

Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, emphasized the company's dedication to creating a safe and efficient mode of air transportation. "The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering a vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry," stated Shin. "Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight, leveraging the technical prowess of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers worldwide."

The technical specifications of the S-A2 showcase its capabilities as a V-tail aircraft, designed to cruise at 120 miles per hour at a 1,500-foot altitude. With a focus on short-distance urban trips ranging from 25 to 40 miles initially, the eVTOL vehicle features a distributed electric propulsion architecture with eight all-tilting rotors. Supernal aims to achieve commercial aviation safety standards while ensuring a quiet operation with noise levels as low as 65 dB during vertical take-off and landing and 45 dB while cruising horizontally.

Ben Diachun, Chief Technology Officer at Supernal, highlighted the vehicle's reliance on emerging electric powertrain advancements, stating, "S-A2 is designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements that will define the next generation of aviation."

In addition to prioritizing safety and efficiency, the S-A2 also boasts a focus on sustainability, passenger comfort, and affordability. The airframe structure incorporates redundant components in critical systems, and the vehicle will be manufactured leveraging Hyundai's mass production capability to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Supernal's collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group's automotive designers is evident in the S-A2's aesthetic design. Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, described the vehicle as a true representation of 'auto meets aero,' combining aerospace engineering with automotive design to maximize the passenger experience and safety.

CES 2024 attendees can explore the S-A2 at the Supernal Vertiport exhibition, experiencing a simulated flight above the city of Los Angeles. The exhibition showcases Supernal's holistic vision for Advanced Air Mobility, including potential flight networks, vertiports, and other transportation modes that aim to revolutionize metropolitan journeys. Vertiports, serving as origin, transfer, and destination points for eVTOL aircraft, are poised to play a pivotal role in the commercialization of AAM, seamlessly integrating with existing transit options.