Supernal and GKN Aerospace announced today a partnership on the design and build of major aerostructures and Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for Supernal’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. The companies say they will also mature high-rate manufacturing technologies to produce these parts and assembly methods.
According to the press release “GKN will work with Supernal to apply its broad portfolio of design capabilities and manufacturing technologies to the development of the Company’s eVTOL vehicle. GKN will supply lightweight aerostructures and high-voltage, high-power electrical wiring systems for Supernal’s full-scale technology demonstrator, which the Company will begin flying in 2024. The partnership aims to improve the business case—and process—for introducing advanced materials and rate-enabling assembly processes to the AAM industry. In working with GKN to mature these processes from the outset, Supernal will develop volume ramp-up capabilities that enable the Company to rapidly scale production as aircraft order demand grows.
“As part of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), Supernal is working to integrate the automotive leader’s expertise—including supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and manufacturing—throughout the AAM ecosystem. In the manufacturing realm, HMG is helping Supernal to develop a scalable digital factory model that will industrialise aerospace material and assembly advancements. Supernal’s work with aerospace manufacturers, such as GKN Aerospace, is an important first step toward the Company’s ability to reduce the cost and time of aircraft production.”
Supernal and GKN Aerospace held a signing ceremony for the partnership at the Paris Air Show today.
For more information
(Image: GKN)