GKN Aerospace has delivered the wing assembly for Supernal’s eVTOL technology demonstrator aircraft. It handed over the complete composite assembly in June and intends to deliver the vehicle’s booms before the end of this month. It builds the assemblies in the UK at facilities in Cowes and Bristol.
“We are excited to support Supernal’s multi-year eVTOL testing program,” said John Pritchard, president of civil airframes at GKN. “Delivering these vital aerostructures is a testament to our wealth of experience in the design and high-rate manufacturing of aerostructures.”
The two companies signed preliminary agreements in 2022 and 2023, and GKN serves as a key partner in Supernal’s vehicle development.
Supernal’s full-scale technology demonstrator is scheduled to fly before the end of the year. The company unveiled its S-A2 product concept in January and is displaying a full-scale mockup at the Farnborough Airshow this week. The four-passenger urban transport vehicle features eight tilting rotors mounted on four wing-mounted booms. Supernal aims to have the aircraft certified and in service by 2028.