Electrical Flying Taxi From Hyundai Back Mejeng At CES 2024, Ready For Flying Test This Year

JAKARTA - The Supernal LLC company Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) owned by Hyundai Motor Group launched the S-A2, a vertical take-off and landing electric vehicle (EVTOL) product at CES 2024.

Built on the Company's vision concept, S-A1, initially debuted at CES 2020, this four-passenger vehicle marks the latest milestone in the Supernal roadmap, to commercialize safe, efficient, and affordable daily passenger air travel.

"From the start, Supernal has had a mission to create the right products and markets at the right time," said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal, in his official statement, Wednesday, January 10.

The concept of S-A2 vehicles is claimed by the company to unite innovative aerospace engineering and Hyundai Motor Group's automotive aesthetic design to create new modes of transportation to bring people in urban areas from point A to point B faster, and ready to enter the market in 2028.

"The launch of the S-A2 demonstrates our firm commitment to realizing the mission with a safe and efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to entering the market. By utilizing our 600-member team, Hyundai Motor Group's extensive technical and business capabilities, as well as trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to present a new era in the world of aviation," he added.

Speaking of design, the Supernal engineering team partnered with automotive designer Hyundai Motor Group in an S-A2 aesthetic that combines design with functionality. The flight class energy absorber component is integrated into the context of a chair, and contributes to a clean and minimalist overall design. The illumination transition throughout the flight phase allows the cabin to feel bigger and provide visual signals, such as a vehicle entry and exit.

Technical specifications, Supernal is designed to fly at a speed of 120 miles (193 km) per hour at an altitude of 1,500 feet. Hyundai's electric air taxi is designed for city trips with a travel distance of 25 to 40 miles (32-64 km).

"The vehicle concept of Supernal products is the result of creativity and hard work of our world-class team. The S-A2 is designed to fully utilize the progress of powertrain electricity which will determine the next generation of flights," said Ben Diachun, chief technology officer, Supernal.

The company will apply for certification in the US in mid-2024 with plans to start flight tests by the end of 2024. Supernal also claims to enter the market in 2028 when it reaches commercial aviation safety levels.