The S-A1 from Supernal is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers up to 60 mi. (97 km) at speeds of up to 180 mph.
LE BOURGET—Supernal has announced a series of agreements here at the Paris Air Show with three aerospace manufacturers related to production of its S-A1 electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
The first agreement is with GKN Aerospace to supply lightweight aerostructures and high-voltage, high-power electrical wiring systems for the Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary’s full-scale technology demonstrator, which is expected to begin flight testing in 2024.
GKN has emerged as a leading supplier in the advanced air mobility (AAM) space, having previously partnered with Eviation, Joby Aviation and Vertical Aerospace, among other players in the emerging sector.
Supernal's second agreement is with Qarbon Aerospace to apply the company’s induction welding technology to the assembly of its thermoplastic carbon composite vehicle components. The companies say they will also cooperate to scale Qarbon’s welding process and develop a road map to meet future eVTOL vehicle demand.
Qarbon has previously partnered with startup LIFT Aircraft, which is developing a one-seater personal multicopter.
The third agreement is with UmbraGroup to supply actuators and motor-control electronics for Supernal's eVTOLs.
Supernal’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. The aircraft is being targeted for a 2028 service entry.
