Supernal is a U.S.-based smart mobility service provider that is developing an Advanced Air Mobility eVTOL vehicle. The company was formed by Hyundai Motor Group in 2022 to lead the group’s progress in the advanced air mobility market. Supernal is working to responsibly co-create the supporting ecosystem and integrate it into existing transit options.
Supernal’s initial eVTOL vehicle cabin concept was revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022. The concept provides the first look at how Hyundai Motor Group is integrating automotive capabilities to develop the Advanced Air Mobility market. The eVTOL concept designed by Supernal’s team offers five seats and prioritizes a low vehicle weight along with overall safety and a comfortable interior. Supernal is also collaborating with other companies, such as Honeywell and Electric Power Systems, to explore the integration of various technologies into its eVTOL vehicle.
Supernal Evtol Overview
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Supernal is a U.S.-based mobility service provider that is developing an Advanced Air Mobility electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. The company is committed to shaping the future of air transportation by providing safe, sustainable, and efficient aerial mobility services.
Not sure what an eVTOL is? Read our article What does eVTOL stand for?
Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is designed to transport passengers and cargo in urban environments. The vehicle is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles and a cruising speed of up to 180 mph. It will be powered by electric motors and will have zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
The eVTOL vehicle will be equipped with advanced safety features, including redundant systems and a parachute system for emergency landings. The vehicle will also have a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to five passengers and their luggage.
Supernal is working closely with industry partners, including GKN Aerospace and Electric Power Systems, to develop the eVTOL vehicle. The company is also collaborating with regulators and stakeholders to ensure that the vehicle meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
Supernal plans to launch its eVTOL vehicle in 2028, with entry-into-service expected shortly after. The company believes that its eVTOL vehicle will revolutionize the way people travel in urban environments, providing a safe, sustainable, and efficient mode of transportation that will reduce congestion and improve mobility.
Design and Engineering
Supernal’s eVTOL aircraft is designed to be an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation for urban air mobility. The company has put a lot of effort into designing and engineering a vehicle that is safe, reliable, and comfortable for passengers. The eVTOL’s design and engineering are based on three main factors: aerodynamics, materials and construction, and safety features.
Aerodynamics
Supernal’s eVTOL aircraft is designed to be highly aerodynamic, which helps to improve its overall efficiency and reduce noise. The aircraft’s rotors are positioned in a way that reduces drag, and the body of the aircraft is designed to be as streamlined as possible. The eVTOL’s aerodynamic design also helps to improve its stability and maneuverability, making it easier to control during takeoff, landing, and flight.
Materials and Construction
Supernal’s eVTOL aircraft is constructed using lightweight materials that are both strong and durable. The aircraft’s body is made from carbon fiber, which is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. This not only makes the aircraft lighter, but also improves its overall performance. The eVTOL’s rotor blades are also made from lightweight materials, which helps to reduce the amount of power needed to lift the aircraft off the ground.
Safety Features
Supernal’s eVTOL aircraft is designed with safety in mind. The aircraft is equipped with a number of safety features to ensure that passengers are protected in the event of an emergency. For example, the eVTOL is equipped with a parachute system that can be deployed in the event of a catastrophic failure. The aircraft is also designed to be highly redundant, with multiple backup systems in place to ensure that it can continue to fly even if one or more systems fail.
In addition to these safety features, Supernal’s eVTOL aircraft is also equipped with advanced avionics and flight control systems. These systems help to improve the aircraft’s overall safety and reliability, and also make it easier to control during flight. The eVTOL’s flight control system is designed to be highly automated, which helps to reduce the workload on the pilot and improve overall safety.
Performance and Specifications
Speed and Range
The Supernal S-A1 is an all-electric eVTOL aircraft that is expected to fly up to around 60 miles (100 km) at speeds of up to 180 mph (290 km/h) while cruising at between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. The aircraft is designed to be able to take off and land vertically, and to be fully recharged within five to seven minutes.
Battery and Power
The Supernal S-A1 is powered by a high-capacity battery system that is designed to provide reliable and efficient power for the aircraft’s electric motors. The battery system is currently being developed by Supernal’s partner, Electric Power Systems (EPS), and is expected to have a high energy density that allows for longer flight times and faster charging. EPS is working on developing cells that can get up to 350Wh/kg, which brings module energy density up to the mid- to upper-200s range at the fully packaged level.
The Supernal S-A1 is designed to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, with zero emissions during flight. Supernal is also working to responsibly co-create the supporting ecosystem and integrate it into existing transit options.
In summary, the Supernal S-A1 is a high-performance eVTOL aircraft with impressive speed and range capabilities. It is powered by a reliable and efficient battery system that is designed to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly power for the aircraft’s electric motors.
Operational Aspects
Pilot Requirements
Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is designed to be piloted by a single pilot, who must meet certain requirements. The pilot must hold a commercial pilot’s license and have a minimum of 2,500 hours of flight experience. In addition, the pilot must have experience with multi-engine aircraft and be certified to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is equipped with advanced avionics and flight control systems that are designed to assist the pilot during takeoff, flight, and landing. The eVTOL vehicle is also equipped with a parachute recovery system that can be activated in the event of an emergency.
Maintenance and Servicing
Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is designed to be easy to maintain and service. The vehicle has a modular design that allows for easy access to the various components. The vehicle’s electric propulsion system is designed to be low-maintenance, with fewer moving parts than a traditional internal combustion engine.
Supernal has established a network of maintenance and service providers to ensure that the eVTOL vehicle can be serviced quickly and efficiently. The maintenance and service providers are trained to work on the eVTOL vehicle’s advanced avionics and flight control systems, as well as its electric propulsion system.
Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is also equipped with a health monitoring system that can detect potential issues before they become major problems. The health monitoring system can alert maintenance and service providers to issues that need to be addressed, allowing for preventative maintenance to be performed.
In summary, Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. The pilot must meet certain requirements, and the eVTOL vehicle is equipped with advanced avionics and flight control systems that assist the pilot. The vehicle’s modular design and low-maintenance electric propulsion system make it easy to service, and a network of trained maintenance and service providers is available to ensure that the vehicle can be serviced quickly and efficiently.
Market Analysis
Supernal’s entry into the eVTOL market has been met with excitement and anticipation from investors and industry experts alike. With a projected market size of USD 23.21 billion by 2028, the eVTOL industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.13% in the 2021-2028 period.
Competitors
Supernal will be entering a highly competitive market, with established players such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Volocopter already making strides in the eVTOL industry. Joby Aviation, for example, has already secured a partnership with Toyota and has received funding from investors such as Uber and JetBlue. Archer Aviation has also secured partnerships with United Airlines and the US Air Force.
However, Supernal’s unique design and focus on sustainability may give them an edge over their competitors. The company’s S-A1 eVTOL is being designed to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 60 mi. (97 km) at speeds up to 180 mph. Additionally, Supernal has secured partnerships with multiple suppliers, including Electric Power Systems and Honeywell, to develop and produce lightweight batteries and avionics systems for their eVTOL aircraft.
Potential Markets
Supernal’s focus on sustainability and urban air mobility may make them well-positioned to capture the market for short-haul flights in urban areas. The company has already identified Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami as potential launch cities for their eVTOL aircraft. Additionally, Supernal has stated that they are exploring opportunities to provide air taxi services for events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics.
Supernal’s commitment to sustainability may also make them attractive to customers who are concerned about the environmental impact of air travel. The company has stated that their eVTOL aircraft will produce zero emissions and will be significantly quieter than traditional helicopters.
Overall, Supernal’s unique design and focus on sustainability may give them an edge in the highly competitive eVTOL market. While they will face stiff competition from established players, their partnerships with multiple suppliers and focus on short-haul flights in urban areas may make them well-positioned for success in the coming years.
Future Prospects
Supernal’s SA-1 eVTOL air taxi is expected to bring about a significant change in the way people travel in urban areas. The company is working on developing advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions that will create a new ecosystem of urban air transportation. With the progress made so far, Supernal is positioned to make a significant impact in the aviation industry.
Technological Advancements
Supernal has made significant strides in developing its SA-1 eVTOL aircraft. The company has partnered with Honeywell Aerospace and BAE Systems to provide avionics and flight control systems for the aircraft. The SA-1 has a range of up to 100 miles and can fly at speeds of up to 180 mph. It is designed to carry up to five passengers and a pilot.
Supernal is also working on improving battery technology to increase the range and efficiency of its eVTOL aircraft. The company has partnered with EP Systems to develop battery systems that are more reliable and efficient. This partnership is expected to lead to the development of batteries that are lighter, more powerful, and have a longer lifespan.
Market Trends
The demand for urban air transportation is on the rise, and Supernal is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company’s SA-1 eVTOL air taxi is expected to be in high demand in urban areas where traffic congestion is a significant problem. Supernal’s focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency is expected to make its eVTOL aircraft a popular choice for urban air transportation.
Supernal is not the only company working on developing eVTOL aircraft, but it has several advantages that make it stand out from the competition. The company has the backing of Hyundai Motor Group, which gives it access to the resources and expertise of one of the world’s largest automotive companies. Supernal also has partnerships with some of the leading companies in the aviation industry, which gives it a significant advantage in terms of technological advancements.
In conclusion, Supernal’s SA-1 eVTOL air taxi is expected to be a game-changer in the aviation industry. The company’s focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency is expected to make its eVTOL aircraft a popular choice for urban air transportation. With the technological advancements being made and the market trends favoring the adoption of eVTOL aircraft, Supernal is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the aviation industry.
