First Flight For Supernal eVTOL Supernal is another manufacturer that is aiming to bring an eVTOL to market in the future. The company has now made concrete steps towards that future with the first flight of a full-scale technology demonstrator. S-A2 is the model name for the new eVTOL and it made its first flight on March 1, 2025. If you never heard of Supernal before, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group.
The first flight was actually not announced and was done mostly shrouded. Information suggest that as you may expect, the first flight was a tethered flight. This is the first active step towards full-scale testing that will bring the craft a step closer to realizing certification by a 2028 timeline. The company has been working with GKN Aerospace. In fact GKN provided a large portion of the structure for the first technology demonstrator including the wings, wiring and general airframe.
Supernal has been very quiet about the development of this program. The first international showing of the Supernal S-A2 prototype was a mock-up of the craft at the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show. Now that the first flight has taken place, the company will continue to refine test methods that will ensure a successful test prototype and future production vehicles.
As the program marches forward they will require partnerships with specific expertise from other entities to ensure success. Earlier in March the company announced CHC Helicopter as the latest addition to its network of program partners making preparations for various advanced air mobility use cases. GKN is perhaps one of the most important partners at this stage. GKN is already an integral part of the development of eVTOL models for Archer, Joby, and Vertical Aerospace. For more information: Supernal 15555 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA www.supernal.aero ***
