GKN delivers composite wing, booms for Supernal eVTOL

GKN Aerospace (Redditch, U.K.) has successfully delivered the full composite wing assembly for Supernal’s (Washington, D.C., U.S.) first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator aircraft, and will deliver composite booms by the end of July. These critical components mark a significant milestone in the development of Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle that will enter into commercial service in 2028. The Full-scale Technology Demonstrator (FSTD) will begin flying later this year.

The composite wing assembly and booms are manufactured and supplied by GKN Aerospace sites in Bristol and Cowes, U.K. These composite components are reported to be integral to the FSTD’s structural integrity and performance. This delivery follows preliminary agreements initiated in 2022 and 2023, further cementing the collaboration between Supernal and GKN Aerospace.

“We are excited to support Supernal’s multiyear eVTOL testing program,” says John Pritchard, president of civil airframe at GKN. “Electric aircraft will play a key role in the transition to zero-emissions flight. Delivering these vaerostructures is a testament to our wealth of experience in the design and high-rate manufacturing of aerostructures.”

In parallel to its FSTD program, Supernal unveiled its eVTOL vehicle product concept, S-A2, in January 2024 and displayed the full-scale mock-up in the company’s Farnborough Airshow chalet in July. S-A2, which will meet commercial aviation safety standards, is targeted to become a widespread transportation option that helps urban residents travel from point A to point B faster.

According to Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal,” Learnings from this aircraft will benefit concurrent S-A2 prototyping so we can begin delivering aircraft to operators in 2028 that meet mission requirements and are certified to commercial aviation safety standards.”