At CES 2024, Hyundai’s Supernal brand showcased its latest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the S-A2 ( https://www.supernal.aero/aircraft/ ), marking a significant step forward in the company’s mission to revolutionize urban air mobility. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the S-A1, the S-A2 promises to deliver enhanced performance, efficiency, and safety features.
- Evolution of Design
The S-A2 maintains the sleek and futuristic design of the S-A1, but with noticeable improvements. The V-tail configuration remains, but the new model sports a larger cabin to accommodate four passengers, in addition to the pilot. According to Supernal, the S-A2 is designed for “typical city operations,” with a top speed of 120 miles per hour and a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet.
- Quiet and Environmentally Friendly
One of the standout features of the S-A2 is its impressively low noise level. Supernal claims that the aircraft produces only 65 decibels during vertical take-off and landing, roughly equivalent to the sound of a dishwasher. While cruising horizontally, the noise level drops to an astonishing 45 decibels, making it an extremely neighbor-friendly option for urban transportation.
- Distributed Electric Propulsion
The S-A2 employs a distributed electric propulsion architecture, which incorporates eight all-tilting rotors. Not only does this design contribute to the aircraft’s remarkable silence, but it also enhances stability and control during flight. Supernal assures that the S-A2’s propulsion system is both efficient and safe, with the capability to handle 25 to 40 mile trips initially.
- Interior Modularity and Battery Upgradability
As Supernal moves towards Type Certification, the company is placing increased emphasis on interior modularity and battery upgradability. These features will enable the S-A2 to adapt to diverse customer requirements and evolving technological advancements. The modular design allows for effortless customization of the cabin, ensuring that the aircraft can cater to various passenger needs and comfort levels.
- Vertiport Innovation
Alongside the S-A2, Supernal also showcased its cutting-edge vertiport design at CES 2024. The large, bold structure is specifically crafted to accommodate the unique demands of eVTOL aircraft. While the vertiport’s practicality may raise questions, Supernal’s commitment to innovation and problem-solving is undeniable. As the company continues to push the boundaries of urban air mobility, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the future.
Hyundai’s Supernal S-A2 eVTOL aircraft is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. With its enhanced performance capabilities, reduced noise pollution, and environmentally friendly design, the S-A2 represents a significant leap forward in urban air mobility. As Supernal continues to refine its technology and push towards Type Certification, the skies are set to welcome a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation.
- Noise, Acoustics, and More
Analysis of noise distributions at heliports and vertiports: A guide for site selection and land use planning. https://www.jairm.org/index.php/jairm/article/view/403
- Electra Surpassed 2,000 eSTOL Pre-Orders
That’s it for electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) manufacturer Electra that has reached the symbolic 2,000 pre-order bar. And that’s a tall order considering the company’s interesting past.
If you are not aware of the potential of eSTOL, let us bend your ear. In the highly complex world of crystal ball guessing where the advanced air mobility (AAM) is heading, two competing segments are vying for the leading role. Electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) versus electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and urban air mobility (UAM) versus regional air mobility, we’ll call RAM. The potentials couldn’t be more different and still somehow overlap.