Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Supernal has confirmed that a full-scale technology demonstrator for its planned S-A2 eVTOL aircraft made a first flight more than a month ago on March 1. The California-based company, which had not acknowledged the flight until asked about it by AIN, said that the tethered flight marked a milestone in the work to design, build, integrate, and fly a full-scale, four-passenger aircraft.
The wholly-owned subsidiary of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group has said that it aims to certify the S-A2 in 2028. In March, it announced CHC Helicopter as the latest addition to its network of program partners making preparations for various advanced air mobility use cases.
“This is the first of numerous testing milestones in Supernal’s journey to certify and deliver its commercial eVTOL product, S-A2, to operator customers later this decade,” the company said in a statement. “Looking ahead, we will continue to refine test methods that will ensure a successful prototype and future production vehicles.”
According to GKN Aerospace, it has provided over 70% of the airframe for the technology demonstrator that has now started flight testing, including the wing and electrical wiring system. The group, which has design responsibilities for the aircraft’s aerostructures, is also a key partner to other eVTOL aircraft developers, including Archer, Joby, and Vertical Aerospace.
Since unveiling a mockup of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-07-23/supernal-debuts-s-a2-evtol-and-prepares-fly-demonstrator">S-A2 aircraft</a> at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, Supernal has said very little about progress with the program. Although it is not an FAA requirement, the manufacturer has committed to achieving the 10-9 safety standard required by Europe’s EASA regulator.

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Supernal Confirms First Flight of eVTOL Aircraft Technology Demonstrator

A preliminary full-scale example of the planned S-A2 model achieved its first tethered flight on March 1 

Supernal, which has said little about its S-A2 eVTOL aircraft program since last year, has confirmed that a full-scale technology demonstrator flew on March 1.

Supernal Confirms First Flight of eVTOL Tech Demonstrator

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