Hyundai has revealed its design concept for its S-A2 eVTOL variant at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The design features a number of changes compared with the S-A1, which debuted at the same show in 2020. While the new design retains the lift/wing in the cruise design featured in the earlier model, the most striking change is the move to an all-tilting prop/rotor design. Where the earlier aircraft followed the concepts seen in the majority of lift/cruise designs where lift rotors are stowed or stopped in a low drag position for forward flight, in the S-A2, four rotors will tilt up and four down for prop/rotor-borne flight.
Hyundai said this configuration would solve problems associated with parasitic drag from stowed lift prop/rotors. However, it doesn’t say in its release how the aerodynamics of the prop systems will work when in forward flight or consider the surface interaction/clearance of the downward tilting props.
Commenting on the launch, Ben Diachun Supernal’s Chief Technology Officer said the concept vehicle is “the result of the creativity and hard work of our world-class design team. S-A2 is designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain developments that will define the next generation of aviation. From here, we will develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.”
Unlike several of its competitors, Supernal declines to be drawn on timelines for development or service introduction, arguing that rather than being first to market, its motivation is bringing the right aircraft.
Image: Supernal
