Hyundai’s Supernal, Kia showcase flying car, military drones at ADEX 2023

South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Group is showcasing the concept of its electric flying car and hydrogen-powered military drones under development to provide the first look into how the group is integrating its car technology to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.

The automotive group’s two car-making units – Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. – said they are participating in the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023, which runs Tuesday through Sunday at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, south of Seoul.

The biennial defense and military equipment exhibition is the largest ever in its history with 550 companies from 34 countries participating in this year’s show, organizers said.

Supernal LLC, the US-based urban air mobility (UAM) affiliate of Hyundai Motor, is unveiling a new cabin interior concept of its flying car, which the company plans to bring to the market by 2028.

The concept model is not following the traditional aircraft design language but instead adopting automotive interior design elements, Hyundai Motor said.

At the show, digital screens have been installed around the concept model to make visitors feel like they are flying in a UAM vehicle.

COCOON-SHAPED SEATS IN BUTTERFLY-INSPIRED CABIN

Supernal’s five-seat cabin, inspired by the structure of a butterfly, is made of forged carbon fiber to reduce its weight and ergonomically contoured to offer a cocoon-like environment for passengers, according to Hyundai.

The electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft concept also shows Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability by extensively using eco-friendly materials such as advanced recyclable carbon fiber, durable plant-extracted fiber, recyclable plastic fiber and wood materials.

Through its participation in ADEX 2023, Supernal said it aims to accelerate the establishment of the future air mobility ecosystem by exploring collaboration opportunities with major domestic and international partners.

“Jointly with our partners, we are going to build a future air mobility ecosystem in which we can predict variables and make safe and innovative autonomous flying vehicles,” said Shin Jai-won, president of Hyundai Motor Group and chief executive of Supernal.

Supernal’s unveiling of the UAM concept in Seoul following its debut at a UK air show last year comes as global automakers and tech companies compete to develop aviation infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft such as autonomous cargo drones and air taxis.

Supernal, wholly owned by Hyundai Motor and launched in 2020, is already collaborating with external partners and more than 50 Hyundai affiliates, in business areas spanning automobiles, automotive parts, construction, robotics and autonomous driving, to jointly create the AAM value chain.

Headquartered in Washington D.C., Supernal plans to develop air vehicles and provide a transportation system that combines UAM and existing traffic networks. It is also considering operating a ride-sharing platform.

KIA’S MILITARY VEHICLES

Kia, Hyundai Motor’s automaking affiliate, is also showcasing concept models of its vehicle-based military equipment at the Seoul ADEX 2023.

The company said it is unveiling a hydrogen fuel cell military drone, a hydrogen multi-copter drone, a military vehicle built on the EV9, Kia’s largest electric SUV, and a military vehicle chassis.

The hydrogen military drone concept is an unmanned drone capable of performing various missions such as military equipment delivery, reconnaissance and surveillance.

Kia said the drone has separate propellers for vertical takeoff and high-speed cruising.

The multi-copter drone uses both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, suitable for long-distance travel, it said.

The EV9 military vehicle concept is equipped with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function to ensure a seamless power supply even in battlefield conditions.

Kia said it has organized a joint exhibition hall with group affiliates Hyundai Rotem Co. and Hyundai Wia Corp. to showcase their weapons.

Hyundai Rotem is displaying a 30-ton wheeled armored vehicle while Hyundai Wia is showcasing the core components of the K2 tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer.

Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Euisun, who took the group’s leadership in October of 2020, has said that the automaker will shift its business portfolio breakdown so that automobiles will account for just half of its sales, followed by UAM with 30% and robotics at 20%.

Write to Sungsu Bae at baebae@hankyung.com

In-Soo Nam edited this article.