Supernal is preparing to integrate real-time weather data into its efforts to bring an eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2028. The Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary announced that it is making a minority investment in TruWeather Solutions so that it can leverage its V360° software-as-a-service weather data analytics and forecasting technology to support planned advanced air mobility flights in cities such as Miami.
The manufacturer will use the V360° system with its in-development, four-passenger vehicle to collect and integrate real-time distributed sensor weather data. According to Supernal, this will give its operational teams a comprehensive view of low-altitude weather and allow them to more accurately assess and predict conditions at critical locations and along flight paths. The company plans to operate eVTOL air taxi services itself in the early stages of service entry for the SA-1 vehicle.
According to TruWeather Solutions, its technology will give eVTOL aircraft operators a 360-degree view of wind and weather updates every 15 minutes at a resolution of “within tens of meters” at and around vertiports. It said that along flight corridors, the model can present a clear view of wind flow, which will be an important factor in safely operating around urban environments where buildings can disrupt wind flow. The company claims its technology can achieve a resolution of one kilometer or better along flight paths, stating that this compares with a best-available resolution of 2.5 kilometers in current commercial aviation applications.
Micro-Weather Could Be Critical to Safe Advanced Air Mobility
Over the past five years, TruWeather has developed its capability to support the advanced air mobility sector by conducting research and development at uncrewed aircraft systems test ranges in four locations across the U.S. The FAA has sanctioned this work as part of wider efforts to achieve micro-weather precision forecasting and real-time data.
TruWeather is also working with other partners to support advanced air mobility development, including air traffic management service provider Skyway and Varon Vehicles. In January, it announced a partnership with AeroX, which is a not-for-profit group working to facilitate new air services, including drones, in North Carolina.
