Hyundai Supernal S-A2 VTOL | Urban Air Mobility Takes Center Stage at CES 2024
In a thrilling leap towards the future, Hyundai’s aircraft-specific subsidiary, Supernal, unveiled its groundbreaking S-A2 VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) at CES 2024. With a vision to revolutionize urban air mobility, Hyundai aims to soar above the competition by introducing this cutting-edge electric air taxi.
The Supernal S-A2 boasts an impressive design that combines sleek aesthetics with functional efficiency. The V-tail fuselage design not only enhances aerodynamics but also facilitates a seamless transition between vertical and horizontal flight, making it an ideal solution for urban mobility. With its ability to take off from helipads, this electric air taxi is poised to navigate city landscapes easily.
The cabin accommodates four passengers and a pilot, ensuring a comfortable and efficient air travel experience. Taking inspiration from nature, the interior design mimics the structure of bees, providing maximum visibility through carefully positioned glazing on the fuselage. Generative design principles are applied to seat frames, optimizing weight distribution and enhancing safety during vertical takeoff and landing.
The S-A2 incorporates cutting-edge technology, creating a fusion of auto meets aero. The dashboard, adorned with large screens, allows the pilot to access crucial flight information effortlessly. The modular design ensures future upgrades, aligning with advancements in battery technology. With an emphasis on safety, the aircraft features redundancies for critical systems, meeting commercial aviation safety standards. The innovative use of aviation-grade materials contributes to a quieter operation, with noise levels akin to everyday household appliances.
As Hyundai’s Supernal pushes the boundaries of transportation, the S-A2 aims to complement traditional modes of travel, providing a futuristic solution for short-distance urban commutes. Featuring a distributed electric drivetrain powering eight tilting rotors, this VTOL can achieve speeds of up to 120 mph and reach a cruising altitude of 1,500 feet.
Hyundai’s ambitious venture into urban air mobility is set to take flight in 2028, as the company plans to meet all required safety standards by that time. While details on battery capacity and charging rates are yet to be disclosed, Hyundai’s commitment to a high-voltage, fast-charging system suggests a hassle-free and efficient user experience. For more information, please visit the Supernal website.
