Supernal, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has officially introduced the S-A2, an innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. This futuristic flying car is set to hit the commercial market in 2028, according to a report by Fox News.
Ready to take an air taxi? pic.twitter.com/wqSHDOrJjO
— Nene 🤴 (@DakeOcansey) January 15, 2024
The S-A2 stands out with its unique design, featuring eight tilting rotors that enable both vertical and horizontal thrust. This capability allows the vehicle to take off and land vertically like a helicopter while cruising horizontally like a plane. What’s more, the eight-rotor configuration ensures redundancy, ensuring a safe landing even in the event of rotor failure.
One of the key advantages of the S-A2 is its environmental friendliness. The rotors not only allow for faster and more extended flights but also consume less energy, resulting in reduced noise pollution. The vehicle produces less than 65 decibels of noise during hovering and less than 45 decibels during cruising, making it quieter than a typical dishwasher.
Safety features abound in the S-A2, including certified instrument flight rules (IFR) for secure nighttime operations in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, or snow. The integration of redundant systems ensures backup support for vital operations such as power, communication, navigation, and control.
With a maximum height of 1,500 feet, the S-A2 strikes a balance between enjoying the surroundings and avoiding obstacles. It can cover distances between 25 and 40 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions and route, and cruise at speeds exceeding 120 mph—far surpassing the capabilities of most road vehicles.
The commercial launch of the S-A2 in 2028 marks a significant step toward realizing the long-held dream of flying cars, promising to revolutionize urban transportation and alleviate traffic congestion. As we eagerly await this groundbreaking technology, the future of commuting may very well be soaring above the cityscape.
