Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) division unveiled the S-A2, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, at CES 2024.
This new concept, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, is a key development in Hyundai’s mission to bring safe, efficient, and affordable air travel to the public.
Hyundai introduced its S-A1 concept at CES 2020. Now, the company has come up with an updated version, the S-A2, which combines cutting-edge aerospace engineering with Hyundai’s unique design.
The aim is to revolutionize urban transportation by offering faster travel. Hyundai’s Advanced Air Mobility company, Supernal, is working to achieve commercial aviation safety standards and affordable production, with a target of entering the market in 2028.
Shin Jai-won, CEO of Supernal, emphasized the company’s commitment by saying, “Supernal is dedicated to crafting the right product for the right market at the right time. S-A2′s unveiling reflects our promise to deliver a safe, efficient design that paves the way for market entry.”
The S-A2, a V-tail aircraft, is designed for typical urban trips of 25 to 40 miles, cruising at 120 miles per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet. It features a distributed electric propulsion system with eight tilting rotors, ensuring quiet operations, according to the company.
Supernal emphasized that safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort are at the core of the S-A2′s design. It boasts a robust structure with redundant systems in the powertrain, flight controls, and avionics, meeting global commercial aviation safety standards. The vehicle will be manufactured using Hyundai’s mass production capabilities.
“S-A2 represents the fusion of our team’s creativity and emerging electric powertrain advancements, setting the stage for the next generation of aviation,” said Ben Diachun, Chief Technology Officer at Supernal.
Supernal focuses on interior modularity and battery upgradability, preparing the vehicle for future advancements. The S-A2′s aesthetics is a collaboration between Supernal’s engineers and Hyundai’s automotive designers.
Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, described S-A2 as “a perfect blend of automotive and aerospace design, focusing on human-centric design to enhance passenger experience and safety.”
The S-A2 is currently displayed at the Supernal Vertiport exhibition at CES 2024, showcasing the vehicle in a simulated operational environment.
