Supernal says its eVTOL air taxi cabin layout "draws on automotive space innovation with a minimized bulkhead, that offers generous headroom and package functionalities." [Courtesy: Supernal]
Supernal, a Hyundai-backed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, expects its air taxi to enter service in the United States sometime in 2028. Nonetheless, the company has already designed and built a concept for the aircraft’s five-seat passenger cabin.
Unveiled for the first time Tuesday at the U.K.’s Farnborough International Airshow, the cabin “draws on the competence of the Hyundai Motor Group and the skillset of experienced automotive designers,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of Hyundai Motor Group in a released statement. To create the concept, designers leveraged more than 50 Hyundai affiliate companies, including automobiles, automotive parts, construction, robotics, and autonomous driving technology, according to Supernal.
Take a look at the passenger cabin experience envisioned by Supernal for short, intra-city air taxi flights, taking off and landing from specialized vertiports.
The design makes sustainability a priority. The cabin includes materials such as advanced, recyclable carbon fiber, reinforced thermoplastic, durable plant-based leather. [Courtesy: Supernal]Because it’s an aircraft, attention is given to using strong, lightweight construction materials, including forged carbon fiber. Seats are ergonomically contoured for comfort. [Courtesy: Supernal]Construction of the seat frames utilizes excess raw material from the aircraft’s airframe manufacturing process. [Courtesy: Supernal]Grab handles that are built into the doors and seat backs help passengers enter and depart the aircraft safely. [Courtesy: Supernal]Seat backs offer multiple functionalities. [Courtesy: Supernal]Each seat includes deployable consoles similar to automobiles, including a charging station and a storage compartment for personal items. [Courtesy: Supernal]Custom interior lighting – including overhead lights inspired by automobile sunroofs – changes with each stage of flight to create a “light therapy” effect. [Courtesy: Supernal]
Thom is a former senior editor for FLYING. Previously, his freelance reporting appeared in aviation industry magazines. Thom also spent three decades as a TV and digital journalist at CNN’s bureaus in Washington and Atlanta, eventually specializing in aviation. He has reported from air shows in Oshkosh, Farnborough and Paris. Follow Thom on Twitter @thompatterson.
