Hyundai’s air mobility company debuts product concept at CES

This pilot-plus-four-passenger vehicle is a progression from the S-A1 concept introduced in 2020, merging aerospace engineering with Hyundai's automotive design to revolutionise urban transportation. Supernal aims to offer a safe, efficient, and cost-effective air travel solution by 2028.

Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal said: “From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the right product and the right market at the right time. The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry. By leveraging our talented 600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.”

Technical features of S-A2 include a V-tail design, a cruising speed of 120mph at a 1,500-foot altitude, and eight all-tilting rotors. It's designed to be as quiet as a dishwasher during takeoff and landing, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort.

Supernal's Chief Technology Officer, Ben Diachun, said: “Supernal’s product concept vehicle is the result of the creativity and hard work of our world-class team. S-A2 is designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements that will define the next generation of aviation. From here, we will develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.”

The aesthetic design of S-A2, a collaborative effort between Supernal's engineers and Hyundai's automotive designers, aims to enhance the passenger experience while ensuring safety.

Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, said: “S-A2 is a true representation of ‘auto meets aero.’ Drawing on the competence of Supernal’s top aerospace engineers and Hyundai Motor Group’s world-renowned automotive designers to create human-centric design that maximises passenger experience and safety.”

At CES 2024, attendees can explore the Supernal Vertiport exhibition, featuring S-A2 and showcasing the company's comprehensive vision for AAM. This includes the integration of vertiports, which are crucial for the commercialisation of AAM, into urban and airport settings. The vertiports, alongside advancements in air traffic control and micro-weather forecasting, are set to extend the capabilities of urban mobility beyond the current ground infrastructure.