BAE Systems has agreed to design and develop the flight control computer for Supernal's eVTOL vehicle. It will help define the architecture of a lightweight, fly-by-wire system for Supernal's autonomous-capable aircraft. The fly-by-wire controls will safely and efficiently control the aircraft during flight.

“The development of advanced, high-integrity controls is crucial to meet the demands of electric aircraft,” says vice president and general manager of controls and avionics solutions Ehtisham Siddiqui. “BAE Systems is harnessing its investment in electrification and expertise in flight-critical systems to advance sustainable aviation. We look forward to working with Supernal to make this shared vision a reality.”

This next-generation system will be a compact solution that addresses the processing requirements and potential autonomy needs of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. It will also have the flexibility to meet the unique integration challenges of electric air taxis, as well as large regional electric aircraft.

“As an established aerospace and defense technology leader, BAE Systems will play a critical role for Supernal as we develop our eVTOL vehicle to the highest commercial aviation standards,” says CTO Ben Diachun. “Together, we will create a bespoke flight controls system that brings advanced air mobility one step closer to reaching the masses in the coming decades.”

The programme will leverage more than 40 years of BAE Systems' expertise in designing and certifying flight-critical fly-by-wire systems for commercial and military aircraft, including vertical take off platforms. Work on the flight control system will be conducted at the company's facility in Endicott, New York.

Honeywell is to explore the integration of its Anthem integrated flight deck into the Supernal eVTOL vehicle. Unveiled last year, Honeywell Anthem draws on the company's deep aerospace experience and marks the first cloud-connected cockpit system that can be customised for virtually every type of aircraft, including the rapidly emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) segment.

As part of Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), Supernal is working with the Group's more than 50 affiliates and external partners like Honeywell to develop its eVTOL vehicle for commercial use starting in 2028. Supernal is also co-creating the surrounding AAM value chain to help the industry scale in the coming decades.

“Supernal is combining automotive's high-rate manufacturing capabilities and aerospace's high certification standards to build the foundation for everyday air vehicle transportation,” says Diachun. “We are pleased to work with aerospace leader Honeywell to mature advanced air mobility avionics systems and certify our eVTOL vehicle to the highest commercial aviation safety standards.”

The Honeywell Anthem avionics solution was designed with connectivity and autonomy as core tenets. It will help Supernal and the AAM industry improve connectivity across the range of complex vehicle technology systems and build a foundation for increasing levels of autonomy in the future, as regulations allow.

"Honeywell Anthem will change the way aircraft are piloted, and we believe that Supernal's aircraft will be a shining example of how aviation will evolve to be smarter and more sustainable," says vice president and general manager, urban air mobility and unmanned aerial systems Stéphane Fymat. "Honeywell has a wide variety of ready-now solutions to help create a more sustainable future for the aviation sector, and we're proud to be on this journey with Supernal.”