The new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi model operates much more quietly than helicopters, cruising at a speed of 193 km/h and covering distances from 40 to 64 km.
The 4-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi model is set to hit the market in 2028. The SA-2 vehicle, produced by Hyundai’s Supernal branch, is expected to begin test flights later this year, according to a company representative at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as reported by Live Science on January 22.
Several manufacturers have developed eVTOL models that have been operational in the past few years, including Boeing’s NeXt, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen, and Honda’s vol.2. These vehicles rely on a distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system, which features multiple electric motors and rotors across the frame, according to Simay Akar from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Similarly, Supernal’s air taxi takes off using 8 tilted rotors distributed throughout the body, generating sufficient thrust for flight.
SA-2 only emits 45 dB of noise during flight. (Photo: Supernal).
“While it will certainly take time for DEP-operated eVTOLs to become mainstream, they will play a crucial role in future urban transportation. However, several factors, including regulatory frameworks and better technology, need to be addressed before that can happen,” Akar stated.
The SA-2 is designed to cruise at 193 km/h at an altitude of 457 meters and can complete flights covering distances from 40 to 64 km. The vehicle emits 65 decibels (dB) of noise during takeoff and landing, while the noise level during flight is a maximum of 45 dB, making it quieter than helicopters (93 – 108 dB), according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Currently, Supernal is planning to conduct test flights later this year. The company also intends to file an application with the FAA this year before seeking a special flight permit in 2025. More detailed testing will begin in 2027. Hyundai is still aiming for 2028 to mass-produce the air taxi model, but whether this public transport will become operational depends on the regulatory status of eVTOLs.
According to Akar, the widespread adoption of eVTOLs depends on several technologies, including battery energy density, motors, electronic device efficiency, thermal management, and weight. Lawmakers worldwide are considering safety and air traffic management issues. In August 2023, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a series of proposed regulations for the safe operation of eVTOLs in Europe. In July 2023, the FAA also announced plans to introduce air taxi services across the United States, aiming to commence commercial flights by 2028 under the Innovate28 initiative.
According to Supernal, the design focus for the SA-2 is safety, sustainability, and passenger comfort. The aircraft is based on the SA-1, a prototype that was showcased at CES 2020 but features several key differences.
The new concept retains the distributed electric propulsion system of its predecessor but has doubled the number of tilted rotors from 4 to 8. Four rotors at the trailing edge of the 15-meter wingspan tilt downward to provide thrust for vertical flight, while four rotors at the leading edge tilt upward. Each tilted rotor will provide thrust for the air taxi during all phases of flight, from vertical takeoff to horizontal cruising.
The new robust frame of the SA-2, approximately 10 meters long, also retains the unusual V-tail design of the SA-1. The V-tail replaces traditional vertical and horizontal tail control designs with a V-shaped component that combines the functions of both rudder and elevator, helping to reduce drag. Other aircraft models that also utilize a V-tail include the Beechcraft Bonanza and Cirrus Vision Jet SF50.
According to Supernal, the sleek, minimalist design of the air taxi is influenced by automotive design. The lighting system changes between different flight phases, providing both aesthetic effects and visual cues for passengers. Both the cockpit and the vehicle’s body are enveloped in glass windows, offering pilots and passengers panoramic views. Supernal is also aiming for flexibility with the SA-2. The ability to reconfigure the cabin for passengers or cargo and to upgrade battery modules as design improvements are made are also part of the company’s plans.
Supernal is preparing to integrate real-time weather data in an effort to bring the eVTOL model into commercial operation by 2028. The company is investing in TruWeather Solutions to utilize their V360° weather forecasting and data analysis technology, supporting premium flights in cities like Miami. Supernal will employ the V360° system on its developing 4-seat vehicle. This will provide the operations team with comprehensive weather insights at low altitudes, allowing them to better assess and predict conditions at key locations and along flight paths.
According to TruWeather Solutions, their technology will provide eVTOL operators with a 360-degree view of wind conditions and weather updates every 15 minutes at a resolution of “several dozen meters” around landing zones. Along flight corridors, the model can help monitor wind patterns, which are crucial for safe operations in urban environments. Their one-kilometer resolution along flight paths is significantly better than the 2.5 km resolution in current commercial aviation applications.
